Forum Discussion

Rosep's avatar
Rosep
Member
9 years ago

Vitamin D and link to Breast Cancer

Hi everyone, I was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer this year.  I have only recently finished my radiation treatment and am now on Tomoxifen for 5 years. In the last month, it was noted that my Vitamin D level was on the low side.  Yesterday I happened to visit a musculoskeletal doctor about a muscular issue, who happened to tell me about an inconclusive  study that shows low vitamin D and its connection to a heightened risk of breast cancer re-occurrence.  You can imagine my horror when I heard that.  Has anyone else come across this?

vitamin-d
  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    9 years ago
    When I was first diagnosed, my Vitamin D level was rather low and my oncologist insisted on getting it much higher, presumably as chemo can deplete it even further. Slip, slap and slop
    undoubtedly protects against skin cancers but may also contribute to women having lower Vitamin D levels. I exercise more and take supplements to keep my levels up. 
  • Janet_Plummer's avatar
    Janet_Plummer
    Member
    9 years ago
    My oncologist recommended taking vitamin D supplements which I have been doing since my diagnosis four years ago.  Apparently there is a well established link between low vitamin D levels and breast cancer. 
  • Pammy46's avatar
    Pammy46
    Member
    9 years ago
    Yes my doctor told me to have a blood test before surgery to check as she said these are linked mine was fine.
  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    9 years ago
    Yes, I have been told that and had my Vit D level checked. It was ok. I have a theory that most of us would be lacking Vit D after treatment as we probably have less sun exposure due to side effects. Also I was told to avoid the sun while on Chemo. I think once we return to normal activity levels this might improve but it should be checked. My GP was the one who thought to check this for me. Would seem that this should be checked by our doctors as routine but it does not seem to be.