Vitamin D Deficiency as a Risk Factor for Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

Introduction: Colorectal cancer is the third most common diagnosis and cause of death in both sexes in highly developed countries. It is assumed that environmental factors are involved in the development of the disease, with strong evidence favoring lifestyle as well as the influence of diet. There are also many studies that indicate that low vitamin D levels are a significant risk factor for the occurrence of colorectal cancer.

Objective: To evaluate and compare serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) between people diagnosed with colorectal cancer and a control group of healthy subjects.

Materials and methods: A total of 30 people with colorectal cancer and a control group of 30 healthy subjects were analyzed in the study.

Results: The comparison of the colorectal cancer group and control group in terms of serum vitamin D concentration showed that lower values ​​were measured in the group with colorectal cancer. The mean vitamin D concentration in the colorectal cancer group was 16.6 ± 7.8, while in the control group it was 28.7 ± 10.3; the difference of 12.1 was statistically significant, for p=0.001.

Conclusion: The results of the presented study indicate significantly lower serum concentrations of 25(OH)D in individuals with colorectal cancer compared to the control group. 

Keywords: colorectal cancer, cancer, vitamin D