Skin Cancer and Vitamin D: An Update

Abstract

Exposure of the skin to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation has both risks and benefits for human health. Absorption of UV-B radiation by DNA results in mutations that underlie the development of skin cancers, as is apparent from genetic studies showing high occurrence of UV signature mutations within these tumors. UV-B radiation is also absorbed by 7-dehydrocholesterol to initiate vitamin D synthesis. In experimental studies vitamin D metabolites enhance apoptosis of malignant cells, inhibit angiogenesis and proliferation and increase differentiation, potentially reducing skin cancer development and improving prognosis after diagnosis. There are some supporting human data. We review the links between sun exposure, vitamin D and skin cancers.

Vitamin D in Norwegian renal transplant recipients: A longitudinal study with repeated measurements in winter and summer

“…Also, a recent study did not find an effect of vitamin D supplementation on preventing falls and bone fractures in heathy adults (218). Some observational studies have reported a higher incidence of skin cancer with high vitamin D levels (219)(220)(221), but this is probably due to confounding from sun exposure, as shown in a recent Danish study (222).…”

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“…Additionally, nicotinamide or Vitamin B and Vitamin D is also widely used for prevention. The antiproliferative effects of 1,25(OH)D, or the biologically active form of Vitamin D, through epigenetic and modulation of clusterin 31 …”

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“…There is clear evidence that sun exposure increases the risk of developing all types of skin cancer, although it is also essential for vitamin D synthesis [47]. UV radiation has been recognized as an important carcinogenic factor causing cancer of the skin or lips.…”

“…It is also important to maintain the 25(OH)D level at about 20 ng/mL or higher. In many places around the world this is achievable even with brief periods of midday sun exposure in most seasons [47]. However, the relationship between the level of exposure to solar radiation and the development of various types of neoplasms is complex and perhaps depends more on the nature and duration of exposure than on the average exposure to this radiation [48].…”