A case control study to determine the frequency of vitamin d deficiency in carcinoma breast in females of local population of Rawalpindi and Islamabad area

Published on Tuesday, 08 September 2026

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of vitamin D deficiency in breast carcinoma cases.

Methods: The case-control study was conducted at the Department of Pathology, Pak-Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, between February and December 2024, and comprised females aged 20-75 years newly diagnosed with breast carcinoma in group A and age-matched healthy controls in group B. Sociodemographic data and clinical history were obtained, and serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D were tested using electrochemiluminescense immunoassay. Deficiency in vitamin D was considered serum level <25nmol/L. Data was analysed using SPSS 21.

Results: Of the 142 female subjects, 71(50%) were in group A with mean age 46.9±16.3 years, and 71(50%) were in group B with mean age 42.4±15.9 years (p=0.797). Vitamin D levels were also lower in group A patients compared to those in group B (p<0.001). Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 33(46.5%) cases compared to 5(7%) controls, with supplement use being less among the cases 11(15.5%) compared to the controls 28(39.4% (p=0.001). There was a high level of correlation between vitamin D deficiency and positive family history of breast carcinoma (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Deficiency of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D contributed to the higher risk of breast carcinoma, while vitamin D supplements had preventive benefits.

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About this publication.

The Di Bella's Method: Use of Vitamin D, Melatonin (since 1974), Retinoids (40mg per day Beta-Carotene, 10mg per day ATRA and 10mg per day Axerophthol palmitate), Estrogen therapy (Anastrozole 1 mg tab per day), pseudo-Metronomic Chemotherapy Cyclophosphamide and/or Hydroxyurea, Somatostatin/Octreotide analogues and/or derivatives (since 1977) with prolactin inhibitors Cabergoline and/or Bromocriptine (together with others chemical compounds) in Breast Cancer (the dosage and administration schedule must be individualised for each patient):

- A retrospective observational clinical study of triple negative breast cancer cases treated with Di Bella Method: A preliminary data;

- The Synergism of Somatostatin, Melatonin, Vitamins Prolactin and Estrogen Inhibitors Increased Survival, Objective Response and Performance Status In 297 Cases of Breast Cancer;

- Complete objective response, stable for 5 years, with the Di Bella Method, of multiple-metastatic carcinoma of the breast;

- Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of the first-line treatment with somatostatin combined with melatonin, retinoids, vitamin D3, and low doses of cyclophosphamide in 20 cases of breast cancer: a preliminary report;

- The Di Bella Method (DBM) improved survival, objective response and performance status in a retrospective observational clinical study on 122 cases of breast cancer;

- Complete objective response to biological therapy of plurifocal breast carcinoma;

- The Di Bella Method (A Fixed Part - Dihydrotachysterol, Alfacalcidol, synthetic Vitamin D3 - Preferably the blood concentration value should be around the middle between 75ng/ml and 100ng/ml);

- Vitamin D (analogues and/or derivatives) and cancer - In vitro, review and in vivo publications;

- The Di Bella Method (A Fixed Part - Cyclophosphamide 50mg tablets and/or Hydroxyurea 500mg tablets, one or two per day);

- The Di Bella Method (A Fixed Part - Calcium, 2 grams per day, orally);

The Di Bella's Method: Use of Vitamin D analogues and/or derivatives - together with others chemical compounds: the dosage and administration schedule must be individualised for each patient - in several Oncological Pathologies:

- A retrospective observational study on cases of anaplastic brain tumors treated with the Di Bella Method: A rationale and effectiveness;

- Recurrent Glioblastoma Multiforme (grade IV – WHO 2007): a case of complete objective response achieved by means of the concomitant administration of Somatostatin and Octreotide – Retinoids – Vitamin E – Vitamin D3 – Vitamin C – Melatonin – D2 R agonists (Di Bella Method – DBM) associated with Temozolomide;

- The Di Bella Method DBM improved survival objective response and performance status in a retrospective observational clinical study on 23 tumours of the head and neck;

- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Long-Lasting Remission with Combination of Cyclophosphamide, Somatostatin, Bromocriptine, Retinoids, Melatonin, and ACTH;

- Somatostatin, retinoids, melatonin, vitamin D, bromocriptine, and cyclophosphamide in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer patients with low performance status;

- Somatostatin, retinoids, melatonin, vitamin D, bromocriptine, and cyclophosphamide in chemotherapy-pretreated patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma and low performance status;

- Observations on the Report of a case of pulmonary adenocarcinoma with lymph node, hepatic and osseus metastasis;

- Pleural Mesothelioma: clinical records on 11 patients treated with Di Bella's Method;

- Malignant pleural mesothelioma, stage T3-T4. Consideration of a case study;

- Excellent result in a Mesothelioma case treated exclusively with Di Bella Method for over 4 years and still treatment with positive results;

- A case of advanced Multiple Myeloma treated with Di Bella Method (DBM) into total remission for 13 years;

- Neuroblastoma: Complete objective response to biological treatment;