Vitamin D for cancer patients in routine health care - the patients' perspective

Background: In cancer care. risk of or manifest osteoporosis is an indication to optimize 25(OH) levels. Little is known about the supply of Vitamin D in routine cancer care in Germany. Our aim was to get first data on the medical care situation in Germany. Materials and methods: Together with the Women's Cancer Support Association we developed a questionnaire and tested the pilot version with leading members of cancer self-help groups. The standardized questionnaire comprises data concerning bone density measurement, vitamin D (testing of blood level, prescription), and information and communication regarding vitamin D. Results: 47 patients took part in our pilot survey. 47% of the participants reported that the topic of vitamin D had been raised by a physician, and 36% had brought up the topic themselves. 57% rated communication as good or very good. While 68% reported having had bone density measurement, only 58% of those with low bone mineral density reported having had a test of the vitamin D level. 80% of the tested persons reported a low level; from those, 80% got a prescription. Most often 20,000 IU/week was prescribed (81.3% of those with a prescription). 35% reported not having had further tests. 15% of all participants reported taking vitamin D on their own initiative. The most important source of information, besides physicians, are self-help groups. Conclusion: Even in case of proven deficiency, a considerable rate of patients are not substituted. Most probably. under supply will be more prominent in patients with no contact to self-help groups. More efforts should be made to inform physicians and patients of the importance of vitamin D.