Medical Reports: Vitamin D

WSVN -- Dr. Donald Trump has been treating prostate cancer for 32 years, and he's noticed something disturbing.

Dr. Donald Trump: "Seventy percent of my patients have Vitamin D deficiency."

The Sunshine Vitamin is an emerging area of cancer research.

Dr. Donald Trump: "Low Vitamin D levels are one of the factors that contributes to the development of a number of cancers."

A study in post-menopausal women shows high doses of Vitamin D cut the risk of cancer by 60 percent. A five-year study found a 72 percent survival rate in lung cancer patients who had high Vitamin D levels as well as a summer surgery. That survival rate dropped to just 29 percent for those with low levels and winter surgeries.

Dr. Donald Trump: "I am encouraged by that because we obviously need things that are useful in lung cancer."

Five years ago, Susan Graham was diagnosed with lung cancer the same cancer, that killed her mother and sister.

Susan Graham: "I got past the 'poor me,' and, you know, I said, 'No, this is not going to get me, took my family, it's not going to get me.'"

She's cancer-free today and is hoping to join a new study on Vitamin D's effects in high-risk lung cancer patients. But is Vitamin D a magic bullet for cancer?

Susan Graham: "Seems very promising."

It's easy to see why she's excited. This tattoo depicts family members who have had cancer, eight in all. She's the only survivor.

Susan Graham: "I want to give back because I was one of the fortunate ones, and I know how terrifying it is."

Christine Cruz: "More research is needed. Some doctors say Vitamin D has no affect, but, keep this in mind, another study just came out and shows Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of colon, breast and prostate cancer by 30 to 50 percent."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Contact: Roswell Park Cancer Institute
(877) ASK-RPCI
askrpci@roswellpark.org