Vitamin D and skin cancer

This leaflet explains the importance of Vitamin D for patients diagnosed with skin cancer.

We hope this leaflet answers some of the questions you may have. If you have any further questions or concerns, please speak to your Skin Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist or your GP.

What is Vitamin D and why do we need it?

Vitamin D helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body. We need these nutrients to keep our bones, teeth, and muscles healthy.

For more information on Vitamin D go to the NHS web site.

Where do we get Vitamin D?

• Vitamin D is found in some foods, such as oily fish and breakfast cereals. However, it is very difficult to get enough from your diet alone.

• The main source of Vitamin D is from sunlight. From late March to the end of September, most people will get enough Vitamin D from the sun. This is why people who avoid sunlight, such as people diagnosed with skin cancer, are more likely to have a Vitamin D deficiency. But between October and early March we do not make enough vitamin D from sunlight.

What are the symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency?

Most people with Vitamin D deficiency will have no symptoms. However, if your levels of Vitamin D are very low, you may have the following symptoms:

• tiredness; and

• pain in your muscles or bones.

What can I do to prevent Vitamin D deficiency?

Vitamin D deficiency is very common, especially in:

• the winter months; and

• in people with darker skin types, who spend a lot of time indoors or covered up.

The government recommends that all adults take a supplement containing 10mcg of Vitamin D each day. This is especially important during the autumn and winter months. It is also important for people who avoid the sun, such as those diagnosed with skin cancer.

Usually one tablet a day, all year round, will provide the recommended daily Vitamin D allowance.

We do not routinely test for Vitamin D levels using a blood test.

Can I take Vitamin D with my normal medication?

It is important to speak with your GP or pharmacist before you start taking Vitamin D supplements. They can confirm whether taking Vitamin D will affect any other medication you are taking.

Further information

If you have any questions about Vitamin D and your condition, please speak to your Skin Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist or your GP.

More information on Vitamin D is available on the NHS web site.

[Web site last accessed 11 December 2025]

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