Vitamin D (VD) is a secosteroid hormone that is mainly synthesized in the skin upon exposure to UVB radiation. VD is\nwidely known for its role in calcium metabolism; however, multiple endocrine, paracrine and autocrine functions of VD\nhave been described, including a prominent role on carcinogenesis. In recent years, multiple associations between VD\ndeficiency and different types of cancer have been described, supported by evidence of anti-proliferative, anti-angiogenic,\npro-apoptotic, cell-differentiating and anti-invasive effects of this hormone. An immunomodulatory role of VD associated to\ncancer microenvironment has also been suggested. Regarding skin cancer, it has been shown that VD inhibits tumor\ndevelopment in basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma in vitro. Some studies have suggested that\nlower VD levels may be a risk factor for skin cancer, while others have shown the opposite; there is also preliminary\nevidence on the role of VD supplementation for the prevention of melanoma in vivo. In this review, we explore the\nmechanisms of VD effects on carcinogenesis and the available scientific evidence of the interplay between VD and the\ngenesis of both non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancer.
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