Vitamin d deficiency linked to high risk for colorectal cancer

People with vitamin d deficiency may be at high risk for colorectal cancer, a study in the Jan 2010 issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention suggests.

The study, which is not a clinical trial, showed that there was an inverse association between the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin d levels and the risk of colorectal cancer.

For the study, Woolcott C.G. and colleagues from the University of Hawaii analyzed data from 229 cases of colorectal cancer and 343 controls who did not have the disease.

Compared to those whose vitamin D levels were in the first quintile (less than 16.8 ng/mL), subjects in all other quintiles were at 37 to 46 percent reduced risk of colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer is diagnosed in 146,000 people in the United States each year and the disease kills about 50,000 annually in the country.

Colorctal cancer symptoms include diarrhea, constipation, feeling of emptiness in the bowel, narrower stools, cramps, gas, weight loss for unknown reasons, fatigue and nausea or vomiting.

The screening tests for the disease include fecal occult blood test, signoidoscopy, colonoscopy, double-contrast barium enema, digital rectal exam, and virtual colonoscopy.

Colorectal cancer treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, biological therapy or radiation therapy.

Vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency has been found associated with 17 types of cancers including prostate cancer, breast cancer, melanoma.

Dr. John Cannell, a vitamin D expert, director of Vitamin D Council, recommends 5000 IUs per day should be used to prevent diseases.

By David Liu