Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration in relation to melanoma progress

Dr Wyatt’s study investigated the complex relationship between vitamin D and melanoma, specifically if vitamin D status is associated with more aggressive melanomas. Exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation is the principal risk factor for melanoma and also the main source of vitamin D. This research found that insufficient vitamin D at time of melanoma diagnosis is significantly associated with poorer prognosis (as defined by tumour thickness). These results will contribute to a more refined public health message concerning melanoma and vitamin D, particularly in Queensland, which has the highest global incidence of melanoma, but vitamin D deficiency is not uncommon.