Ca and D

Higher serum 25(OH)D levels were associated with lower levels of nonmelanoma skin cancer in elderly men.

Solar radiation that initiates nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) also initiates vitamin D synthesis in the skin. One might expect that populations with histories of NMSC might also have high serum levels of vitamin D and its more reliably measured precursor, 25(OH)D.

In a recent study, researchers studied the relation between 25(OH)D levels and NMSC risk. Serum levels of 25(OH)D were measured in 1441 randomly selected men enrolled in an osteoporosis study. At baseline and after 5 years, participants were asked whether they had ever had NMSC. Respondents were divided into three groups: never had NMSC (n=930), had NMSC before baseline (n=178), and developed NMSC between baseline and 5 years (n=100). Those in the higher quintiles of 25(OH)D level …

Reviewing Author

Mark V. Dahl, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Ulthera, Inc.; AuBio LifeSciences, LLC; Paris Therapeutics

Equity Elorac, Inc.; Makucell, Inc.; Paris Therapeutics

Editorial boards UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societiesNational Rosacea Society (Chairman, Medical Board)