Vitamin D Levels and Deficiency Etiology in Cancer Patients with Vitamin D Deficiency at The Time of Diagnosis

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: An important relationship is believed to exist between the potential cancer risk and levels of vitamin D due to its regulatory role in cell differentiation and growth. The aim of this study was to evaluate vitamin D levels and the etiologic factors leading to its deficiency in children with a diagnosis of cancer. METHODS: We first checked the vitamin D levels of 110 pediatric cancer patients diagnosed between 2011 and 2013 and investigated relapse rates in children with low and normal vitamin D levels. In the second stage, we administered a survey to the families of 64 children with a vitamin D level ≤ 20 ng/ml to determine the possible etiological factors for the deficiency. RESULTS: The vitamin D deficiency rate in the 110 children diagnosed with cancer between 2011 and 2013 was 58%. There was a significant increase in relapse risk in children with vitamin D deficiency at the time of diagnosis. Evaluation of the epidemiological factors causing vitamin D deficiency revealed that the families' education and income levels were low and their living conditions were not suitable for an adequate supply of vitamin D. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Many studies have shown that vitamin D is protective against cancer and has beneficial prognostic effects. However, many families did not have sufficient information on the importance of vitamin D in childhood. We therefore believe it is important to take preventive measures against vitamin D deficiency during the treatment process of childhood cancers.

Keywords

• vitamin d deficiency
• childhood cancers
• causes of deficiency