Vitamin D Gene Variant Linked to Breast Cancer [10/05/2001; Reuters Health] LONDON (Reuters Health) - Women with breast cancer are twice as likely to have a fault in the gene required to make use of vitamin D, according to research published in the British Journal of Cancer. Experts already believe vitamin D protects against breast cancer and in some forms may even be used to shrink existing tumours. Now new findings by researchers at St. George's Hospital Medical School in London suggest that women with genetic variations (polymorphisms) of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene may be less able to benefit from this protective effect. Scientists looked at different polymorphisms of the VDR gene in 241 healthy women aged 50 to 81, and 181 breast cancer patients aged 29 to 91. They found that women with one version, called BsmI, were more than twice as likely to have breast cancer and were also prone to having more dangerous tumours. Reporting their findings in the journal, the researchers said the study added to the increasing evidence for a role of VDR gene polymorphisms in the cancer disease process. Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.