Among women who identified as Black/African American or Hispanic/Latina, those with low blood levels of vitamin D were more likely to develop breast cancer than those with adequate levels. In the study published by Wiley online in Cancer, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, the link between low vitamin D and breast cancer was particularly evident among Hispanic/Latina women.
Black/African American or Hispanic/Latina have lower average vitamin D levels than non-Hispanic white women. Although research suggests that vitamin D may protect against breast cancer, few studies have considered the role of race/ethnicity in this link.
To investigate, Katie O’Brien, Ph.D., of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and her colleagues collected blood samples from 415 women (290 Black/African American, 125 non-Black/Latina) who later developed breast cancer, as well as from 1,447 women (1,010 Black/African American, 437 Hispanic/Latina) who did not develop breast cancer.
Over an average follow-up of 9.2 years, women with sufficient vitamin D levels had a 21% lower breast cancer rate than women with vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL). The link was strongest among Latina women, who had a 48% lower rate if they had sufficient vitamin D levels. The link was weaker among Black/African American women, who had an 11% lower rate if they had sufficient vitamin D.
“Together with prior studies on this topic, this article suggests that vitamin D may be associated with reduced risk of breast cancer, including among women who self-identify as Black, African-American, Hispanic, or Latina,” said Dr. O’Brien.
“Because women who identify as members of these groups have lower vitamin D levels, on average, than non-Hispanic white women, they could potentially receive enhanced health benefits from interventions promoting vitamin D intake. However, questions remain about whether these associations are truly causal and, if so, what levels of vitamin D are most beneficial.”
more recommended stories
-
Atrial Fibrillation in Young Adults: Increased Heart Failure and Stroke Risk
In a recent study published in.
-
Neurodegeneration Linked to Fibrin in Brain Injury
The health results for the approximately.
-
DELiVR: Advancing Brain Cell Mapping with AI and VR
DELiVR is a novel AI-based method.
-
Retinal Neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s Disease
By measuring the thickness of the.
-
Epilepsy Seizures: Role of Astrocytes in Neural Hyperactivity
Roughly 1% of people experience epilepsy.
-
Role of Engineered Peptides in Cancer Immunotherapy
In a recent publication in Nature.
-
CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Therapy for Prostate Cancer
In their preclinical model, the researchers.
-
Epilepsy Surgery: Rare Hemorrhagic Complications Study
Following cranial Epilepsy Surgery, hemorrhagic complications.
-
Pediatric Epilepsy – Mental Health Interventions Unveiled
Mental health challenges frequently manifest in.
-
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Boosts Ovarian Cancer
During the COVID-19 pandemic, US women.
Leave a Comment