Change in Vitamin D levels following diagnosis of malignant melanoma
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Change in Vitamin D Levels following diagnosis of malignant melanoma.
IRAS ID
184933
Contact name
NA NA
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Western Sussex NHS foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 18 days
Research summary
Solar radiation is the main cause of skin cancer, however it is also the main source of vitamin D. There is clear evidence demonstrating poor health outcomes associated with suboptimal vitamin D levels. Adequate sun exposure to allow vitamin D synthesis is therefore essential to human health. The rapid increase in melanoma has given rise to nationwide and international campaigns that encourage the public to protect themselves from solar radiation. And following a diagnosis of melanoma, clinicians will advise patients to avoid sun exposure. As such, low vitamin D levels may be expected in melanoma patients; however, little research has been conducted on this population. It is not known if the restrictive sun exposure behaviours of patients diagnosed with melanoma has a significant impact on vitamin D levels. Since, the associated health implications of suboptimal vitamin D are numerous and simply correctable it is important to perform this investigation.
We will measure the vitamin D levels (with a blood test) and sun exposure (with a questionnaire) of patients at diagnosis of melanoma and at six month follow up. This study will be conducted by the dermatology team at Worthing and Southlands Hospitals. We hope to recruit 30 patients.
REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
15/WA/0444
Date of REC Opinion
2 Dec 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion