The effect of Vitamin D supplementation on breast cancer risk

Abstract The impact of vitamin D supplementation on breast cancer prevention and diminishment has become a matter of sustained debate. This study proposes to utilize a combination Post-Positivism approach to assess the practice. With emerging studies both upholding and decrying the efficacy of Vitamin D in relation to breast cancer, there is a need pursue this study in order to clarify the potential. Introduction Breast Cancer and vitamin D supplementation have become a substantial topic of debate as a drive to find a solution continues. This study fills a gap in existing research by assessing what impact the addition of Vitamin D has on the prevention and diminishment of Breast Cancer.1.1 BackgroundThe efficacy of Vitamin D supplementation in order to prevent or diminish Breast Cancer has become a matter of sustained debate. The Mohr, Gorham and Alcaraz (2012) study argues that there is a direct benefit to the reduction of breast cancer by adding Vitamin D both before and after a cancer diagnosis. Others cite the impact of Vitamin D on Breast Cancer as only negligible (Prentice, Prettinger and Jackson 2013). Still others cite the early stage of research as an obstacle to fully embracing the value of Vitamin D (Yin, Grandi and Raum 2010). Yet, further studies link Vitamin D and the method of ingestion as a pivotal issue (Prentice et al 2013). The goal of this study would be to further det ermine the role of Vitamin D in relation to breast cancer in women.1.2 Aims and ObjectivesIn this section, the research aims, objectives, and research questions will be outlined. Firstly, the aim of this research is as follows: The following research objectives have been determined: What is the effect of vitamin D supplementation on breast cancer risk What is the vitamin D status, determined by 25-OH vitamin D levels, among women diagnosed with breast cancer 1.3 Research QuestionsThe research question is: What are the known associations with Vitamin D supplementation and breast cancer What are the key factors that have been impacted by Vitamin D supplementation of cancer Do the means of Vitamin D ingestion have an impact on effectiveness What is the potential emerging research teaching 2 Literature Review 2.1 Factors that contribute to Breast CancerDeficiencies in all forms have long been credited with the increasing the probability for cancer of all varieties (Pearce and Cheetham 2010). Factors including the lack of Vitamin D have been linked to breast cancer diagnosis in women (Chung, Lee and Terasawa 2011). With lifestyle choices and long-term habits playing a pivotal role in a cancer diagnosis, the impact of a single element is debateable (Brasky, Lampe and Potter 2010). Diseases including Rickets and osteomalacia are directly tied to vitamin D deficiency, making a breast cancer link plausible (Pearce et al 2010). The presence of or lack of vitamins are argued to impact a breast cancer diagnosis.2.2 Vitamin D and Breast Cancer supplementation in WomenA wide array of professionals ranging across clinical applications, autoimmunity, cardiology and cancer fields agree that the Vitamin D supplementation is a benefit to the effort to increase breast prevention efforts (Souberbielle, Jeanjacques Body and Lappe 2010). Yet, Prentice et al (2013), while maintaining the moderate value of the supplementation practice, argue that the reduction in breast cancer occurrence due to this factor is only suggestive, not conclusive.2.3 Vitamin D and Breast Cancer Prevention OptionWolff and Guiliano (2011) have found that Vitamin D as a supplement is superior to a dietary intake of vitamin D. This study charts a correlation between the incidents of breast cancer prevention and the dietary method of vitamin intake. It is insufficient to rely on any single indicator in as a prevention mechanism (Thacher and Clarke 2011). Further, the benefits of vitamin D are only at the obse rvational stage and cannot be fully accredited (Ibid).2.4TrendsThe combination of Calcium/Vitamin D is providing an avenue for research towards a diminished rate of breast cancer (Bolland, Grey, Gamble and Reid 2011). Conversely, Brunner, Wactawski-Wende and Cann (2011) illustrate that there is no substantial reduction in breast cancer among their studies participants employing this combination. 3. Methodology The methodology focuses on an explanation of the approaches considered: What is the effect of vitamin D supplementation on breast cancer risk What is the vitamin D status, determined by 25-OH vitamin D levels, among women diagnosed with breast cancer3.1 ApproachPositivism, quantitative method, provides solutions resting in math, producing empirical data (Yin 2003). Interpretivism or qualitative uses the interpretive approach utilizing instruments like coding. Post-Positivism, a combination of the two is best suited to determine the impact of Vitamin D supplementation on breast cancer in women (Bryan and Bell 2007). Both inductive and deductive approaches were considered. Bryan et al (2007) view both approaches as ‘connected’ with distinct elements, but the connection are not fixed. Therefore settled the use of a mixed method or post-positivism method was chosen as the best approach.3.2 Research StrategyThis study will collect and analyse empirical data (Biggam 2012). The utilization of both primary and secondary research material will provide depth and fundamental clarity to the study (Yin 2003). The empirical research in this study deals with an in-depth review of breast cancer cases, survivors and relevant medical professionals. Primary data will be accumulated through the creation and utilization of a survey directly transmitted to breast cancer survivors and oncological professionals (Ibid). Prior and existing case studies will be evaluated utilizing secondary sources alongside the application of a primary source survey issued to the breast cancer survivors and members of t he oncologist community (Yin 2003). This research strategy is best suited to facilitate a well rounded evaluation of issues that promote various perspectives in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the link between Vitamin D supplementation and breast cancer (Lock, Silvermand and Spirduso 2010).3.4 Data Collection Methods and InstrumentsThe collection methods used in this study were: Primary data using Surveys from survivors and medical professionals (Saunders et al 2007). Secondary breast cancer data via journal and peer reviewed article The primary disadvantages rest in the limited capacity to check answers or develop further details. Further, obtaining primary data may be very high (Yin 2003). 7. References Biggam, J. (2012) Succeeding with Your Master’s Dissertation. 2nd ed.Berks. McGraw-Hill Boll, Grey, A., Gamble, G. and Reid, I. 2011. Calcium and vitamin D supplements and health outcomes: a reanalysis of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) limited-access data set. 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