Abstract

Context and objectiveProstate, colorectal and lung cancers are common in men. In this study, we aimed to determine whether vitamin D status is associated with the incidence of these cancers in older men.DesignProspective cohort study.Setting and participants4208 older men aged 70–88 years in Perth, Western AustraliaMain outcome measuresPlasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration was measured by immunoassay. New diagnoses of prostate, colorectal and lung cancers were determined via electronic record linkage.ResultsDuring a mean follow-up of 6.7±1.8 years, there were 315, 117 and 101 new diagnoses of prostate, colorectal and lung cancer. In multivariate competing risks proportional hazards models, every 10 nmol/l decrease in 25(OH)D concentration was associated with a 4% reduction in prostate cancer incidence (sub-hazard ratio [SHR] 0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.92–1.00). Every halving of 25(OH)D concentration was associated with a 21% reduction in incident prostate cancer in multivariate analysis (SHR 0.79, 95% CI 0.63–0.99). Following exclusion of prostate cancer cases diagnosed within 3 years of blood sampling, low 25(OH)D <50 nmol/l was associated with lower incident prostate cancer, and higher 25(OH)D >75 nmol/l was associated with higher incidence, when compared to the reference range 50–75 nmol/l, respectively (p = 0.027). Significant associations were also observed when 25(OH)D was modeled as a quantitative variable. No associations were observed between plasma 25(OH)D concentration with incidence of colorectal or lung cancer.ConclusionLower levels of vitamin D may reduce prostate cancer risk in older men. By contrast, levels of vitamin D did not predict incidence of colorectal or lung cancers. Further studies are needed to determine whether a causal relationship exists between vitamin D and prostate cancer in ageing men.

Highlights

  • Prostate, colorectal and lung cancers are common in older males [1]

  • In multivariate competing risks proportional hazards models, every 10 nmol/l decrease in 25(OH)D concentration was associated with a 4% reduction in prostate cancer incidence

  • Every halving of 25(OH)D concentration was associated with a 21% reduction in incident prostate cancer in multivariate analysis (SHR 0.79, 95% 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63–0.99)

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Summary

Introduction

Colorectal and lung cancers are common in older males [1]. Important risk factors include increased age, smoking and physical inactivity. Previous studies have linked vitamin D deficiency to the risk of cancer, but the role of vitamin D in cancer pathogenesis is currently controversial. Many experimental studies have documented pivotal roles of vitamin D in cancer genesis and progression. The genomic pathway requires the binding of 1,25(OH)D3 to the vitamin D receptor (VDR), which regulates transcription of genes involved in numerous cellular processes relevant for anti-cancer effects [2]. The non-genomic pathway involves binding of 1,25(OH)D3 to the VDR, leading to intracellular signaling, rapid activation of cellular ion channels, and subsequent protection of DNA integrity [3]. Despite accumulating evidence from experimental studies suggesting that low vitamin D status might be a causal risk factor for cancer, a recent systematic review of prospective cohort studies have reported no association between elevated vitamin D concentrations and lower risks of most cancers, excepting colorectal cancer [5]. Further observational and interventional studies are warranted to clarify the potential role of vitamin D on cancer incidence

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