From the ArcaMax Publishing, Health & Fitness Newsletter:
http://www.arcamax.com/news/healthtips/s-365636-437707
BOSTON (UPI) -- Colon cancer patients with abundant vitamin D in their
blood were 48 percent less likely to die, U.S. researchers said.
The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, found these
patients had a 39 percent less chance of dying from colon cancer.
However, researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston said it
is too early to recommend supplements as part of cancer treatment.
"Our data suggest that higher pre-diagnosis plasma levels of (vitamin
D) after a diagnosis of colorectal cancer may significantly improve
overall survival," the study authors said in a statement.
Study leaders Dr. Kimmie Ng and Dr. Charles Fuchs identified 304
colorectal cancer patients whose vitamin D levels were measured in
blood samples given at least two years prior to their diagnosis.
By 2005, 123 patients had died -- 96 from colorectal cancer. Those
whose vitamin D levels put them in the top quarter were compared to
the quarter having the least amount of vitamin D. Individuals with the
vitamin D levels in the highest quartile were 48 percent less likely
to die -- from any cause -- than those with the lowest vitamin D. The
odds of dying from colon cancer were 39 percent lower.
The findings are published in the Journal of Oncology.