Colon cancer or colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer worldwide, next to lung and breast cancer. The cancer forms in the lining of the colon or rectum, which helps in the body’s digestive system to get rid of waste.

It often develops slowly and without symptoms. This is why people aged 45 or above are advised to have a colonoscopy screening to detect precancerous polyps in the colon.

Colon Cancer Deaths

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, with the American Cancer Society estimating that 52,980 people would die from it in 2021.

Early detection through screenings prevents colon cancer’s progression into stage IV, which has a survival rate of only 15% for five years or more. The most common treatment for colon cancer is surgery, which removes the cancerous cells and affected sections of the colon.

Challenges in Colon Cancer Treatment

One of the main challenges in colon cancer treatment is the high likelihood of cancer recurrence. The recurrence rate for colon cancer survivors is 30-50%, and most cases occur within the first two years after surgery.

Recurrent colon cancer is usually treated with chemotherapy, which has side effects like hair loss, decreased immunity, and digestive problems. Because colon cancer cells slowly reproduce, the cancer becomes resistant to chemotherapy over time, leading to further complications and eventual death.

The Effective Pill Against Colon Cancer Death

Recent studies have discovered a promising alternative to chemotherapy drugs. Research suggests that Vitamin D may play a significant role in fighting colon cancer.

In a 2015 study by the American Cancer Society, researchers examined data from over 1,000 colon cancer survivors who took Vitamin D supplements following their surgery.

The results showed that those who maintained two or more adequate Vitamin D levels in their blood had a 50% lower risk of cancer recurrence than those who kept their Vitamin D levels lower.

Adequate Vitamin D levels were defined as maintaining a serum level of at least 30 ng/mL.

The Science Behind Vitamin D’s Anti-Cancer Properties

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential to bone health.

The body naturally produces Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, but it can also be obtained by consuming foods rich in Vitamin D like fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified cereals and milk. Vitamin D is known to help the body absorb calcium and maintain bone density.

Research has also shown that Vitamin D plays a vital role in regulating the immune system. It helps stimulate the production of immune cells that fight infections and diseases, including cancer cells.

Additionally, Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce inflammation in the gut, where colon cancer begins to form.

One of the biologically active compounds of Vitamin D, calcitriol, has been shown to inhibit colon cancer growth.

Calcitriol reduces tumor cell proliferation and metastasis by inhibiting angiogenesis, which is the process of developing new blood vessels that cancer cells use to grow and spread.

The Benefits of Vitamin D in Colon Cancer Prevention

Several studies have linked Vitamin D to a decreased risk of colon cancer incidence, mortality, and recurrence. A 2018 study found that people who increased their Vitamin D intake reduced their risk of developing colon cancer by 22%.

A 2020 study found that higher Vitamin D levels in colorectal cancer patients were associated with a lower risk of cancer recurrence and mortality.

Apart from colon cancer, Vitamin D has also been shown to reduce the risk of other cancers, including breast and prostate cancer.

Studies have also shown that adequate Vitamin D levels can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis.

How to Get Enough Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency is common, affecting 1 billion people worldwide. Factors that influence Vitamin D levels include age, skin color, sunscreen use, and geographic location.

Living in regions with less sun exposure and wearing sunscreen can lead to low Vitamin D levels.

The recommended daily intake of Vitamin D is 600-800 IU, but individual requirements may vary. One way to ensure adequate Vitamin D levels is to consume foods that are Vitamin D-rich, such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified cereals and milk.

However, it may be challenging to obtain enough Vitamin D from food alone.

An alternative way to obtain Vitamin D is through supplements. Vitamin D supplements come in two forms, Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is the more potent form, and supplements containing it are the best option for people with low Vitamin D levels.

However, it is essential to follow a doctor’s recommendations and to avoid doses above the recommended intake, which could result in toxicity.

Conclusion

Colon cancer remains a significant health problem worldwide. The high recurrence rate and resistance to chemotherapy complicate the treatment of colon cancer.

However, the discovery of Vitamin D’s anti-cancer properties brings hope to colon cancer survivors and those at risk of colon cancer. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system, reducing inflammation, and inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and metastasis.

Consuming Vitamin D-rich food or supplements can help maintain adequate Vitamin D levels and reduce the risk of colon cancer incidence, mortality, and recurrence.