Vitamin D ‘could help in breast cancer survival’
VITAMIN D supplements could increase survival rates for breast cancer patients, research has found.
The Irish-based research suggests that there could be a 20pc increase in survival in patients who took vitamin D supplements after diagnosis compared with those who did not.
The study team analysed data on almost 5,500 breast cancer patients aged between 50 and 80.
Professor Kathleen Bennett supervised the work, led by Royal College of Surgeons Ireland researcher Dr Jamie Madden and supported by the Irish Cancer Society.
Prof Bennett said: “Previous studies have found that higher blood levels of vitamin D, which can come from our diet or sunlight, are associated with increased breast cancer survival.
“Our study suggests vitamin D supplementation might be useful for women diagnosed with breast cancer. Large trials are already under way overseas to look into this further.”
The results of this larger clinical trial, looking at the use of vitamin D and omega-3 for those diagnosed with breast cancer, are expected to be released in 2020.
The Irish Cancer Society’s head of research Dr Robert O’Connor warned the findings suggest an association and not a causal link.
He added that women should check with their medical team before using vitamin D.
The findings were revealed in Dublin yesterday at the launch of the charity’s Cups Against Breast Cancer campaign with broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan.