Vitamin D may increase chance of melanoma survival

Leeds, England

- Higher levels of vitamin D are associated with thinner lesions and a lower rate of relapse in melanoma patients, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Researchers at the University of Leeds in England looked at medical records of 872 people with melanoma and tried to link their vitamin D levels to the severity of lesions and their likelihood of survival without relapse, according to Health.com.

The study suggests that low levels of vitamin D allow melanoma tumors to grow better and become more of a threat to the patient’s survival, according to researchers. However, a study co-author says avoiding sunburn is also very important in preventing melanoma.