Have you been tested for a vitamin D deficiency? Most physicals for women now include a blood test for vitamin D levels. It appears that many of us are not getting enough Vitamin D naturally, out in the sun. Many make-up formulas include sun screen. Many moisturizers include sun screen. What this all means is the 10-15 minutes outside every day that is recommended for natural Vitamin D absorption just doesn’t happen. For women with a history of skin cancers, being out in the sun is not a good idea.
There is a new study out and here is a quick take away:
“Women who are diagnosed with late-stage and aggressive breast cancer are more likely to have a low vitamin D level than women who have less aggressive cancer. Women who had blood plasma concentration of less than 20 ng/mL were eight times more likely to be diagnosed with regional or distal spread of cancer when compared to women who had normal vitamin D levels. The study also found that African American women were four times more likely to have low vitamin D levels compared with white women.”
Here is a link to the entire study.
http://www.medpagetoday.com/HematologyOncology/BreastCancer/22543
Here is another informative synopsis:
http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/news/20101004/low-vitamin-d-linked-breast-cancer
One More:
http://drtorihudson.com/cancer-prevention/breast-cancer-prevention/vitamin-d-and-reduction-of-breast-cancer-risk/
Conclusion? Have the blood test for Vitamin D next office visit, especially if you are a breast cancer survivor.
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Thanks Pat. I did not mention that it is D3, that is the hero!
November 2, 2010 - 5:42amThis Comment
Thanks for this important information Haralee, you do such a nice job of looking out for our health!!
It's important to be aware of the good properties of this vitamin. I've seen vitamin D recommended for all types of cancer survivors, including my fellow leukemia survivors, and as women we need to be aware that a vitamin D deficiency can also impact our hearts. In addition to supplements we can also add vitamin D through our diets and here's a great article about how to do that: https://www.empowher.com/healthy-eating/content/delicious-d-s-ways-get-more-vitamin-d-your-diet
Get your D's ladies! :-)
November 1, 2010 - 5:46pmThis Comment