The impact of sun protective behavior and vitamin D supplementation on vitamin D level in melanoma patients.
e19025 Background: Vitamin D (VitD) is synthesized in the skin as a result of exposure to sunlight and its deficiency is common in the general population as well as in cancer patients. Sun protection is strongly recommended for patients after a melanoma diagnosis. We conducted a pilot study to assess the prevalence of VitD deficiency and the impact of both sun protective behavior and VitD supplementation on VitD levels in melanoma patients Methods: Adult patients with AJCC Stage 0-III melanoma were recruited from the Washington Cancer Institute between July 2011 and January 2012. Subjects completed a questionnaire asking about oral VitD supplementation and sun protective behaviors. VitD deficiency was defined by a 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level less than 30ng/mL. Pearson Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine predictors of VitD deficiency. Results: A total of 49 participants (20 males, 29 females) completed the questionnaire and provided a blood sample for 25(OH)D determinations. Median age was 52 years (23-82), and most (n=48, 98%) were Caucasian. The majority had either stage 0 (n= 13, 27%) or 1 (n=29, 59%) melanoma. Twenty-six (53%) reported regular use of VitD supplements, and the majority reported sun protective behaviors (n=36, 73%). The prevalence of VitD deficiency was 46% (n=23). VitD deficiency was more common in patients who were not taking VitD supplementation (73% vs. 26%, p<0.01). Other associations include: (1) BMI>25 vs. BMI ≤25 (57% vs. 33%, p=0.10); (2) winter vs. summer months(54% vs. 40%, p=0.34); (3) those who practiced sun protective behavior vs. not (50% vs. 38%, p=0.48). On multivariate analysis, the use or non-use of VitD supplementation remained the only significant predictor of VitD deficiency (OR=0.11, p<0.01). Conclusions: VitD deficiency is common in melanoma patients especially in those who are not on VitD supplementation.