A PUBLICATION FOR COMMUNITY PHYSICIANS
‘Sunshine vitamin’ lights up new research Vitamin D may have important dual role
FALL 2014 if necessary, to reach a Vitamin D level of at least 35 and perhaps ideally, 50,” Dr. Rao said. “These levels may also prevent a recurrence of breast cancer in those patients who have been previously diagnosed.”
OTHER INDICATIONS FOR VITAMIN D
BY DEBRA GELBART
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itamin D may play multiple roles in the management of breast cancer, says a medical oncologist with Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center in Gilbert who specializes in treating breast and lung cancer. “There are some studies that suggest that low Vitamin D levels may be associated with the development of breast cancer,” said Santosh Rao, M.D., who also specializes in breast cancer prevention and in the practice of integrative oncology. “One study showed that Vitamin D levels of at least 50 are associated with a significant decrease in breast cancer. Epidemiologic studies suggest a role for Vitamin D as well.” He cautioned that overall, studies don’t indicate an undisputed correlation between Vitamin D and breast cancer.
REDUCING THE RISK In places known for a high incidence of skin cancer — including Arizona — both the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and the American Society of Clinical Oncologists recommend that residents wear sunscreen regularly. Vitamin D is primarily made from skin exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun. While Dr. Rao agrees with recommendations for sunscreen protection to prevent skin cancer, the use of sunscreen may explain how people living in Arizona can still have low vitamin D levels. “So what we’re recommending to potentially reduce the risk of breast cancer is supplementation,
Vitamin D3 is the best-absorbed form of Vitamin D, although it comes from animal sources. For those who prefer a vegetarian source, Vitamin D2 is also acceptable, he said. Some studies suggest that a Vitamin D level of 40 is helpful in preventing the bone loss commonly seen with aromatase inhibitor therapy (such as Arimidex and Femara) for breast cancer patients, Dr. Rao said. Aromatase inhibitors put patients at risk for osteoporosis, he explained. Dr. Rao usually recommends 800 I.U.s of D3 for his patients taking aromatase inhibitors, although that varies depending on a patient’s current Vitamin D level. It is unknown whether higher vitamin D levels carry the same benefit for all people. Studies have shown that lower levels of Vitamin D don’t necessarily correlate with a higher risk of fracture in African-American women, he said. In the majority of cases, he added, calcium will be prescribed for these patients along with the Vitamin D. But some studies have suggested a potential link between calcium supplementation and increased risk
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Smoking cessation program
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Early breast cancer detection New Lung Cancer Clinic 4 Lung cancer conference 5 Research trials
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Ovarian cancer risk in Hispanic women
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Banner MD Anderson physicians