# Vitamin D Concentration Among Women with Gynecological Cancers

## TL;DR

Women with gynecological cancers tend to have lower vitamin D levels than those without cancer, suggesting a possible link between vitamin D deficiency and these cancers.

## Contribution

This study is the first to compare vitamin D levels across distinct histopathological types of gynecological cancers.

## Key findings

- Gynecological cancer patients had significantly lower vitamin D levels than non-oncological patients.
- Ovarian cancer patients had the lowest vitamin D concentrations among gynecological cancers.
- Urban residents had significantly lower vitamin D levels compared to rural residents.

## Abstract

Vitamin D deficiency is widespread, and the incidence of cancer continues to rise. Numerous studies have shown a link between vitamin D deficiency and cancer incidence. However, no studies to date have examined the association between vitamin D status and distinct histopathological types of gynecological cancers. Ensuring proper vitamin D levels may serve as a protective factor against gynecological malignancies.

Background: Although vitamin D supplementation is simple, inexpensive, and safe, vitamin D deficiency remains widespread, especially in developing communities. The aim of our study was to assess vitamin D levels among patients with gynecological cancers and compare them with those in patients with benign tumors living in rural and urban areas. Methods: This is a clinical retrospective study covering data analysis from March 2021 to July 2023. A total of 686 patients with uterine or ovarian tumors were analyzed. An electrochemiluminescence immunoassay method was used to assess vitamin D concentrations. Other laboratory blood tests were also performed on the admission day. Results: A significant reduction in vitamin D levels in oncological vs. non-oncological patients (median 23 (17, 33) ng/mL vs. 28 [21, 36] ng/mL, p < 0.001) was observed. The lowest vitamin D concentration was found in patients with ovarian cancer (median 22 (16, 32) ng/mL), followed by those with endometrial cancer and cervical cancer—median 24 (18, 35) ng/mL and 26 (20, 31) ng/mL, respectively). We found no differences in the vitamin D concentration between various histopathological types of ovarian cancers (p = 0.07). No correlation between the vitamin D concentration and age (r = 0.03, p > 0.05) was noted. A negligible negative correlation between vitamin D levels and BMI was observed (r = −0.095, p = 0.03). Additionally, those living in cities had a significantly reduced vitamin D concentration compared to those living in rural areas. No significant differences were demonstrated in vitamin D concentrations between malignant and benign tumors among patients living in rural areas (p = 0.17). Conclusions: Gynecological oncology patients have significantly lower vitamin D levels compared to non-oncological patients. In our patient population, ovarian and endometrial cancers were frequently associated with vitamin D deficiency. While this observation does not establish causation, it highlights the potential value of monitoring vitamin D levels and addressing deficiencies as part of broader cancer prevention and management strategies.