Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Risk of Oropharynx and Larynx Cancers in Finnish Men

Background: Published studies suggesting a relationship between vitamin D and some common cancers sparked interest in the association of vitamin D with head and neck cancers. Prolonged darker months in Finland are associated with lower levels of ultraviolet B radiation, raising concerns about low vitamin D levels. Methods: We used a nested case-control study in the prospective Alpha-Tocopherol Beta Carotene (ATBC) Study of male smokers in Finland, to examine the relationship between serum 25(OH) D and risk of developing squamous cancers of the head and neck. Using conditional logistic regression, we calculated the multivariate adjusted ORs and CIs comparing those with serum 25(OH) D adequate levels of 50 to <75 nmol/L to those <25.0. Results: We identified incident cancers of the oral cavity (n = 134), pharynx (n = 48), and larynx (n = 158). Median serum vitamin D was 31 nmol/L (interquartile range: 21-48), which is below the 50 nmol/L cutoff point was considered adequate for bone and overall health. Comparing those with serum 25(OH) D below 25 nmol/L to those 50 to <75 nmol/L as the referent, the OR was 1.35 (95% CI: 0.53-3.43, P(trend) = 0.65) for overall head and neck cancers. Stratification by cancer subsites of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx (P(trend) = 0.93, 0.78, 0.26, respectively) or by season of blood draw also showed no association. Conclusions: Our study showed no association between serum 25(OH) D and risk of head and neck cancers. Impact: This study does not support the hypothesis that greater vitamin D exposure would reduce the risk of developing head and neck squamous cancers. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(6); 1178-84. (C)2011 AACR.