Vitamin D status and risk for breast cancer in Kenya

Authors

Ronald Wasike, Agha Khan UniversityFollow
Victor Mobegi, University of Nairobi, Kenya
Esther Maina, University of Nairobi, Kenya
Francis Makokha, Mount Kenya University, Kenya
Robert Armstrong, Aga Khan UniversityFollow
Annastacia Mbithi, Aga Khan University

Document Type

Article

Department

General Surgery (East Africa); Paediatrics and Child Health (East Africa); Internal Medicine (East Africa)

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D plays a critical role in bone metabolism, calcium regulation, and various cellular processes, including those linked to cancer. The biologically active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D], works through the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR). Polymorphisms in VDR and related genes have been associated with cancer risk, including breast cancer. This case-control study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and breast cancer among Kenyan women.

Methods: Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were measured in 112 breast cancer patients and 106 controls using electrochemiluminescence.

Results: Results indicated that 81.2% of participants had deficient or insufficient vitamin D levels, with controls showing slightly higher sufficient levels compared to cases. Although previous studies suggested an association between higher vitamin D levels and reduced breast cancer risk, our findings revealed no significant link between vitamin D levels and various demographic factors, including BMI.

Conclusion: The study underscores the need for public awareness about vitamin D supplementation and further research to clarify the role of vitamin D in breast cancer development, particularly in populations with widespread vitamin D deficiency.

Publication (Name of Journal)

Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1186/s41043-025-00874-7

Recommended Citation

Wasike, R., Mobegi, V., Maina, E., Makokha, F., Armstrong, R., Mbithi, A. (2025). Vitamin D status and risk for breast cancer in Kenya. Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition, 44(234), 1-6.
Available at: https://ecommons.aku.edu/eastafrica_fhs_mc_gen_surg/146

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.