More and more ways of preventing, or controlling, cancer are being found every day. Recently, a link between Vitamin D levels and those with colorectal cancer has been found. While more investigating through clinical trials is currently underway, Vitamin D levels do have an impact on the mortality rates and survival rates of those with colorectal cancer.
What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is also known as the Sunshine Vitamin. This is because sunlight prompts the skin to manufacture Vitamin D. You can also take fish oil supplements or eat fatty fish. Many breakfast cereals are fortified with extra Vitamin D, as is whole milk. Vitamin D helps your body utilize both calcium and phosphorus when creating strong bones and teeth. Is there a link between this helpful vitamin and colorectal cancer?
Benefits of Vitamin D
There have been many benefits of Vitamin D found when it comes to colorectal cancer, but also several other types of cancer as well. Higher levels of Vitamin D before a cancer diagnosis have shown that there is decreased inflammation and a stimulated immune system. In this way, the growth of cancer is slowed, and it can even help to kill off cancer cells.
Link to Colorectal Cancer
In 2008, the Dana-Farber Institute noticed a much lower mortality rate in those with colorectal cancer. They compared Vitamin D levels in patients before chemotherapy treatment and noticed a distinct correlation to the survivability of those being treated for colorectal cancer. Then, in 2015, Dana-Farber again noticed a link between Vitamin D and colorectal cancer. Those who had higher levels of Vitamin D and were undergoing treatment for colorectal cancer were more likely to live longer than those who had lower levels.
Reduce Your Risk of Cancer
With the purpose of Vitamin D to replace weak cells with strong ones, such as with bones and teeth, it may also be doing the same with cancer cells. Meaning, weak and foreign cancer cells are being replaced with healthy ones. If higher levels of Vitamin D are found in those who are healthy, and lower levels in those who have cancer, or even a risk of cancer, it should be noted that Vitamin D can reduce your risk of colorectal cancer as well as several other types of cancer.
If you are of age to be tested for colorectal cancer or your primary doctor has recommended early testing, call the GI Texas Center to schedule an appointment. Caring and generous staff are available to help you and can give you more information about the link between Vitamin D and colorectal cancer.