Vitamin D May Prolong Lives of Cancer Patients

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. remission /rɪˈmɪʃən/ (n.) – the period in which a disease subsides, resulting in a temporary or permanent recovery

Example: After following the recommended diet, her cancer went into remission.

2. catalyst /ˈkætlɪst/ (n.) – a substance that speeds up a (chemical) reaction without being affected

Example: Sunshine was the catalyst for the cancer patient’s sudden recovery.

3. meta-analysis /ˈmɛtə əˈnæləsɪs/ (n.) – a statistical method that collects results from various studies and compares these results with one another

Example: The meta-analysis shows that most patients in Japan prefer organic medicine to artificial medicine.

4. prognosis /prɒgˈnoʊsɪs/ (n.) – the probable outcome of a disease, especially in terms of recovery

Example: Patients who lead a healthy lifestyle have a chance of getting a good prognosis.

5. deficiency /dɪˈfɪʃənsi/ (n.) – the state of not having enough of something

Example: Doctors should not ignore the deficiency of nutrients in hospital meals.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A new study suggests that vitamin D may prolong the life expectancy of cancer patients. Nutritional scientists in China claim that vitamin D not only improves the survival chances but also extends remission of those suffering from certain types of cancer. As a natural nutrient, vitamin D can be produced in the body from exposure to sunlight or consumption of certain foods like sardines, mackerel, salmon, eggs, and fortified milk. This vitamin also serves as a catalyst for absorbing other nutrients that enrich the bones as well as other bodily parts and functions.   The research found its results through a meta-analysis of 25 previous studies that collectively tested the vitamin D levels of about 17,000 cancer patients. Researchers measured the Vitamin D levels during diagnosis and before the patients underwent treatments to determine each of their survival rates. The study discovered that high levels of vitamin D resulted in a four-percent increase in survival for patients with breast cancer, bowel cancer, and lymphoma. However, the nutrient is less effective with the prognosis of other serious types of cancer, such as lung cancer and leukemia. Professor Hui Wang, one of the research authors, emphasized the significance of the study in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. She said that many people around the world are experiencing a deficiency in vitamin D, which must be addressed immediately. Wang further stressed that it is also vital for doctors to monitor the vitamin D levels of patients diagnosed with cancer.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         What do you think cancer patients can do to get more vitamin D?

·         Would you consider changing your lifestyle and diet after reading the article? Please explain your answer.

Discussion B

·         Which do you think is better, natural medicine or man-made medicine/treatments? Please explain your answer.

·         If you were to conduct a meta-analysis study on health, what would you focus on?