Pancreatic cancer is the 4th leading cause of cancer deaths among both men and women. Diagnosis carries a near death sentence. The five year survival rate in the best case scenario, when the cancer is caught early and removed whole, is only 25%. For everyone else, the 5 year survival rate is a mere 4%. To make matters more dire, government funding for pancreatic cancer treatment research falls short of other cancer research spending.
Vitamin D
In an article published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention this year, researchers took a look at 5 large studies and concluded that higher circulating levels of vitamin D were associated with a substantially reduced risk of developing pancreatic cancer. People in the top 20% of vitamin D blood levels slashed their pancreatic cancer risk by 33%.
Vitamin D is made by the skin in response to sunlight, but production can be hampered by age, sunscreen use, and lack of sun exposure. For many people, it is prudent to supplement with vitamin D capsules to reach optimal blood levels.
Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2012.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Research and nutritional information included is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease and should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. Consult your physician before initiating any new dietary or supplement program. References available by request.
