Author(s) :

Angela Han.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) and non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC), including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), are the most frequent types of cutaneous cancer. NMSC diagnoses comprise more than one-third of all cancers. Ultraviolet (UV) exposure is a primary requirement to produce vitamin D for individuals. However, this exposure is accompanied by an increased risk of skin cancer. Some studies have observed that vitamin D synthesis may protect against skin cancer, but the relationship remains debated in the scientific literature. Alongside studies that suggest a protective role of vitamin D in skin cancer, there have also been observations related to the connection between vitamin D derived from other sources such as dietary and environmental factors, and cancer risk. The role of dietary habits and nutrient intake in skin cancer risk has gained attention in recent years, as the two naturally occurring forms of vitamin D, ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol, are found in food. However, the association between dietary vitamin D intake and skin cancer risk remains controversial. Current findings lack clarity regarding whether sun-induced vitamin D production varies in locations observed to be at a higher risk for cancer due to geographical factors. There has been difficulty examining an independent influence of vitamin D status on skin cancer risk due to confounding and contrasting effects of sun exposure and other factors such as dietary vitamin D. Additional research is needed to confirm the preventive role of vitamin D in skin cancer risks, and to eliminate potential confounding variables.