Abstract
BackgroundVitamin D has been linked with improved survival after breast cancer diagnosis but little is known about prescribing rates. This study investigates trends in vitamin D supplement use in both a general female and breast cancer population.MethodsWomen with a breast cancer diagnosis were identified from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland (n = 19870). Women who had any vitamin D claim between 2005 and 2011 were identified from pharmacy claims data (n = 8556). Prevalence rates were calculated as a proportion of all eligible women and by age (< 55 years, ≥ 55 years). Poisson regression was used to compare rates of vitamin D prescribing across years (risk ratio (RR), 95% CI).ResultsThere was a statistically significant increase in women with a claim for vitamin D between 2005–2011, with the largest increase among breast cancer patients aged ≥ 55 years (RR = 2.26; 95% CI, 2.11–2.42).ConclusionThis may have significant public health implications if associations between vitamin D and improved breast cancer survival prove to be causal.
Highlights
Several studies examining serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels have shown significant protective effects of high levels on breast cancer survival [1,2,3,4]
This study investigates trends in vitamin D supplement use in both a general female and breast cancer population
There was a statistically significant increase in women with a claim for vitamin D between 2005–2011, with the largest increase among breast cancer patients aged 55 years (RR = 2.26; 95% CI, 2.11–2.42)
Summary
Women with a breast cancer diagnosis were identified from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland (n = 19870). Women who had any vitamin D claim between 2005 and 2011 were identified from pharmacy claims data (n = 8556). Prevalence rates were calculated as a proportion of all eligible women and by age (< 55 years, 55 years). Poisson regression was used to compare rates of vitamin D prescribing across years (risk ratio (RR), 95% CI)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
