Vitamin D may reduce deaths from cancer
Vitamin D could cut the risk of dying from cancer, according to research that suggests sunshine and supplements could save lives. Scientists warned that modern lifestyles could be increasing the risk of disease with ever longer hours spent indoors. Research on almost 80,000 adults by Michigan State University found that taking a supplement for at least three years was associated with a 13 per cent drop in mortality from all cancers.
VITAMIN D could cut the risk of dying from cancer, according to research that suggests sunshine and supplements could save lives.
Scientists warned that modern lifestyles could be increasing the risk of disease with ever longer hours spent indoors or in the shadow of skyscrapers.
Research on almost 80,000 adults by Michigan State University and Hurley Medical Center found that taking a supplement for at least three years was associated with a 13 per cent drop in mortality from all cancers.
A study by Madrid University Hospital found that a daily pill along with a statin was linked to a 38 per cent reduction in deaths from prostate cancer. Scientists said the effects appeared to be independent of each other, suggesting that both the medication and the vitamin boosted survival.
A third study by Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, suggested that vitamin D deficiency could double the risk of pancreatic cancer. The studies, presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual conference in Chicago, did not show why vitamin D might help cancer survival but experts said it could enhance the body’s immune response, reducing the proliferation of tumour cells.
Dr Tarek Haykal, lead researcher from Michigan State University, said the findings were “promising” and urged GPS to recommend supplements. He said: “The take-home message is that vitamin D might carry a benefit for the cancer population. Patients who received vitamin D supplementation for at least three years in any form, had significantly lower cancerrelated deaths.”
Dr Shifeng Mao, from Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, added: “People spend a significant amount of time at work in a concrete building and have much less time for leisure, let alone being exposed to nature and sunlight, so vitamin D deficiency is prevalent.”
Dr Daniel Bikle, professor of medicine and dermatology at the University of California, said: “I’m a big believer in sensible sun exposure, getting some sun on your skin without burning. But in places such as the UK, there is not enough sun all year round, so supplements in winter months are necessary.”
Dr Rachel Shaw, from Cancer Research UK, said the studies did not prove that vitamin D prevented cancer developing. She added: “It’s important that cancer patients consult their doctor before taking vitamin supplements.”