Vitamin D Levels Can Affect Aggressiveness of Melanoma

Lower levels of vitamin D are associated with thicker tumours and poorer survival, according to a speaker at the British Association of Dermatologists annual meeting.

'When a melanoma is diagnosed, a patient's vitamin D should be checked and supplements offered if levels are low', says Julia Newton-Bishop, Professor of Dermatology at the University of Leeds.

Patients with malignant melanoma should not be advised to stay out of the sun without taking measures to ensure healthy levels of vitamin D', Professor Newton-Bishop continued.

Speaking at the British Association of Dermatologists annual meeting held in Birmingham between 5-7 July, Prof. Newton-Bishop said that health agencies often advocate sun avoidance for melanoma patients in order to prevent more tumours but vitamin D can be important in determining the aggressiveness of melanomas.

Click here to read more about vitamin D and their effects on melanomas.

Source: www.pharmaceutical-journal.com/news-and-analysis/event/vitamin-d-levels-can-affect-aggresiveness-of-melanomas/20201552.article, viewed 17 August 2016