title: The Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency among Cancer Survivors in a Nationwide Survey of the Korean Population.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Recent studies have shown that inadequate vitamin D levels are associated with a poor cancer prognosis, but data regarding actual vitamin D levels in cancer survivors are limited. This study investigated the vitamin D levels and prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among Korean cancer survivors compared with non-cancer controls, and identified the factors associated with vitamin D deficiency.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), 915 cancer survivors and 29,694 controls without a history of cancer were selected. Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured; vitamin D deficiency was defined as 25(OH)D levels less than 20 ng/mL. Chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and associated factors.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 62.7% of cancer survivors and 67.1% of controls. Among cancer survivors, vitamin D deficiency was most prevalent among 19-44 year olds (76.2%) and among managers, professionals, and related workers (79.3%). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that younger cancer survivors and those who work indoors were predisposed to vitamin D deficiency.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Vitamin D deficiency was prevalent among both cancer survivors and controls in Korea. The regular evaluation and management of vitamin D levels is needed for both bone health and general health in cancer survivors.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Jeongup Asan Hospital, Jeongup, Korea.
authors.forename: Myueng Guen
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Oh
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Korea.
authors.forename: Mi Ah
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Han
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Korea.
authors.forename: Jong
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Korea.
authors.forename: So Yeon
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Ryu
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Korea.
authors.forename: Seong-Woo
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Choi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D044466:Asian People; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000097:blood* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000208:ethnology; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D015995:Prevalence; D056910:Republic of Korea / Q000453:epidemiology; D017741:Survivors / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000097:blood*; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000097:blood* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000208:ethnology; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D014807:Vitamin D