Hello all,
It’s Lisa from the policy team. I am sorry to hear about everything you went through during the Christmas period Nadine and hope that you are feeling much better.
I have had a look at some of the research discussing vitamin D and breast cancer:
The Cancer Council Australia’s iheard website contains the following information about vitamin D in relation to cancer: 'Recent studies have shown vitamin D may protect against certain cancers, but other studies have found no protective effect. There is no definitive evidence; Cancer Council Australia is monitoring research in this area in order to provide the best possible advice to Australians.'
The Westmead Breast Cancer Institute has also developed the booklet, Vitamin D and Breast Cancer. The booklet notes that, 'An insufficient level of vitamin D in the blood is thought to be involved in the development and progression of breast cancer. Research shows that women who have low vitamin D levels have a greater risk of developing breast cancer. In addition, women whose vitamin D levels are low at the time of their breast cancer diagnosis have been shown to have an increased risk of their cancer returning in the future.' Here is a link to the booklet in case you would like to have a look.
It appears that some research suggests that vitamin D levels may impact women’s risk of breast cancer, but that more research is needed. If you are interested in finding out more about vitamin D, it would be best to talk to your doctor.
Warm regards,
Lisa
