Hypothesis
We hypothesised that persons who have high levels of vitamin D in their blood, or those who eat foods and take dietary supplements that are high in vitamin D, have a lower risk of developing skin cancer than persons with low levels of this vitamin. We also hypothesised that genetic factors may influence these associations between vitamin D and skin cancer risk.
Background
Vitamin D is formed in the skin at exposure to the sun. The body also obtains vitamin D through foods and dietary supplements. Some studies suggest that vitamin D may help prevent certain types of cancer, but it is not clear whether it may help prevent skin cancer. Genetic factors are known to influence the way that cells can process vitamin D, and thus genetic factors should be considered when we study the effect of vitamin D on skin cancer formation.
Methods
We have used data from a study in which adults in an Australian community were followed during an 11-year period to ascertain in detail who developed skin cancer. At the start of the study all participants gave a blood sample in which we measured vitamin D levels. We also measured their usual consumption of foods and supplements that contain vitamin D. We extracted DNA from the blood sample to ascertain their status of 29 genes that are relevant vitamin D. All other main risk factors for skin cancer were measured as well (eg time spent outdoors, skin colour) to allow for these factors in our analyses.
Key findings
We found that people who have high levels of vitamin D in their blood, have an increased risk of two skin cancer types, namely basal cell carcinoma (the most common type of skin cancer) and melanoma (the most dangerous type of skin cancer). The risk of squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer that is most directly linked to sun exposure, was lower in persons with high blood levels of vitamin D.
Conclusions
These results show that even if vitamin D had an anti-skin cancer effect, this is not sufficiently strong to prevent skin cancer from occurring. It is therefore important to avoid sun exposure as a way to increase vitamin D levels. Ongoing analyses will show whether vitamin D intake or genetic factors influence these findings.
Grant publications