Vitamin D, melanoma risk, and tumor thickness in PLCO cancer screening trial patients.

OBJECTIVE

The incidence of melanoma is increasing. Other than limiting UV exposure, few factors prevent or reduce the risk of melanoma. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between vitamin D intake and melanoma risk in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) cancer screening trial.

METHODS

A secondary data analysis was performed on PLCO data. More than 1,300 participants developed melanoma.

RESULTS

Melanoma risk may be increased among men within the highest quartile of vitamin D intake (HR 1.27, 95% CI 0.99, 1.61). Women in the highest quartile of vitamin D intake had a decreased risk of invasive melanoma (HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.41, 0.96). Higher education and being white corresponded with deeper tumors (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

High reported vitamin D intake resulted in an increased risk of melanoma among men. Vitamin D intake yielded a protective effect against invasive melanoma in women.