Forum Discussion
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?
16 Replies
- It's a common test and many women now have discovered that they have low Vit D. There is very limited and inconsistent studies regarding cancer, but probably worth ensuring you have a suppliment and nornal levels. I have osteopenia, so I take caltrate plus which has calcium, vitamin D and trace elements.
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/vitamin-d-fact-sheet - 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. - 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.
- Our bodies become depleted from treatment. A link to a Vic site on Vitamin D. The site suggests that exercise will help the body's Vitamin D production
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/vitamin-d - Yes my doctor told me to have a blood test before surgery to check as she said these are linked mine was fine.
- 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.
