We are often unaware of how common a disease is until it affects one of us. The same case is with Colorectal cancer. Yes really! It is more common than we think. It ranks as one of the leading cancers worldwide, especially in countries with a Western lifestyle and diet. According to the World Health Organisation, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, accounting for approximately 10% of all cancer cases, and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and the second most frequent cancer in men and the third most common in women.

In the United States alone, colorectal cancer, often called CRC, is the third most diagnosed cancer for both men and women, excluding skin cancers. Scientists are continuously contributing to investigating ways to lower the risk of colorectal cancer, which affects the colon and rectum. Very similar to this, a comprehensive study published in April 2025, published under the title “ Vitamin D and Colorectal Cancer Prevention: Immunological Mechanisms, Inflammatory Pathways, and Nutritional Implications.”

This research evaluated over 10,000 studies initially, but after careful screening for duplicates and relevance, only 50 studies met the criteria for it. The research highlighted results on adults who either had colorectal cancer, its precursors or documented vitamin D deficiency , with some participants receiving vitamin D supplements.

Why Vitamin D

The sunshine vitamin, Vitamin D, is vital to many body functions. It helps nerve cells communicate, regulates blood pressure, supports gut health and protects against respiratory infections. Among the many studies cited in this review, one among them suggests that Vitamin D helps slow uncontrolled cell growth, blocks the formation of new blood vessels that nourish tumours (angiogenesis), and encourages apoptosis, which is termed as the natural death of abnormal cells.

What studies revealed

One of the most astonishing findings from the review was that people with low Vitamin D levels in the body are at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. A meta-analysis of 31 studies found that those with the highest vitamin D intake (80 ng/mL) had a 25% lower risk of developing colorectal cancer compared to those with the lowest levels (10 ng/mL).

In the well-known Nurses’ Health Study , women with the highest vitamin D intake were 58% less likely to develop colorectal cancer compared to those who had lower vitamin D levels in the body.

Most of only assume that Vitamin D is for bone health- but NO! Deficiency of this vital nutrient in the body can result in many diseases, some of which can be difficult to deal with. According to researchers, it may even help prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells by stopping uncontrolled cell division, reducing the formation of new blood vessels.

LimitationsThe essential role of Vitamin D is proven in many studies but the review pointed out some limitations as well. One major issues is that exact biological processes behind these benefits are not fully understood. It suggests that more large-scale randomised trails need to be conducted to prove the efficacy of this essential vitamin.

Should one take a Vitamin D supplement
Wondering whether or not to take a supplement? Well, the best place to start is by a blood test. Ask the primary care provider to check the vitamin levels in your body to help determine the urgency.
If one is deficient, ask a medical health professional to help choose which Vitamin D food is good for you. Always remember, prevention is better than cure and excess of everything is bad. It's best to take a personalised approach rather than self-dosing.

Who is at a higher risk of colorectal cancer?
In addition to the deficiency of Vitamin D, several lifestyle and health factors increase the risk of colorectal cancer. These include older age, physical inactivity, obesity a diet low in fiber and high in processed meats.
Ensure to address these risk factors alongside monitoring Vitamin D levels, one may be able to reduce the overall cancer risk.