Breast cancer still affects women and men across the United States. Now, though, a new study has shown that vitamin D may give those affected by breast cancer a better chance at surviving the disease. The new research could lead to new treatments in the future.
New findings about breast cancer continue to emerge. In fact, just 12 years ago, a study revealed that breast self-exams actually did more harm than good. About four years ago, a government task force agreed with that study, according to NBC News. Other studies revealed that certain diets could help reduce the risk of breast cancer, or increase survival rates.
Now, though, it seems as if researchers have found that vitamin D may just benefit women. Real-world studies of an approved melanoma drug showed that breast cancer patients may have increased survival rates with higher levels of vitamin D. In fact, scientists discovered that breast cancer patients with above- average vitamin D levels had almost a twofold improvement in survival when compared with patients who had low levels of vitamin D, according to MedPageToday.
"Vitamin D metabolites increase communication between cells by switching on a protein that blocks aggressive cell division," said Cedric Garland, one of the researchers, in an interview with HealthCanal. "As long as vitamin D receptors are present tumor growth is prevented and kept from expanding its blood supply. Vitamin D receptors are not lost until a tumor is very advanced. This is the reason for better survival in patients whose vitamin D blood levels are high."
Researchers actually recommend that vitamin D be incorporated into breast cancer treatment regimens immediately. Even if it doesn't help as much as the study claims, it still could benefit patients to some extent.
"There is no compelling reason to wait for further studies to incorporate vitamin D supplements into standard care regimens since a safe dose of vitamin D needed to achieve high serum levels above 30 nanograms per milliliter has already been established, said Garland in a statement.
Make sure to make sure you get enough vitamin D in your diet. It could help improve your health and help fight breast cancer
