Dosimeter aiding the fight against skin cancer

21 Apr 2010 01:42p.m.

matt wrote:

'small benefits' of Vitamin D?? Mr martin, surely as a professional of the medical establishment you are aware of the decreased risk of prostate cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer and other cancers - not to mention decreased mortality rates of melanoma for people with better vitamin D levels? And before recommending a vitamin D pill we must remember the importance of informing people the risks of vitamin D toxicity from self medicating!?.....the body can not overdose from vitamin D obtained from the sun but it can from a pill.

20 Apr 2010 02:26p.m.

Sue wrote:

Apart from the fact that the article does not state whether it is testing UVA or UVB or both, the guy form the Cancer Society states you can get vitamin D from fruits and vegetables. The only veg containing vitamin D in very small quantities are mushrooms and there are NO fruits that contain it. Has he actually researched his subject matter? He may sound more credible if he got the facts correct.

20 Apr 2010 02:20p.m.

Mark wrote:

The spokes person from the cancer society suggests getting Vit D from fruit and vegetables, only mushrooms contain Vit D. Yet more inaccuracies from the cancer society.I suggest they start to study the subject more.

20 Apr 2010 11:33a.m.

Richard Martin wrote:

Dear John
I too was deeply concerned at the mixed message given last night. Yes we need sunlight for Vit D production but only 2-3 minutes in summer and 20-30 minutes in winter depending on latitude, altitude etc. The small benefits of sunlight for vitamin D are completely outweighed by the risk of skin cancer. The science of Vit D, sunlight and skin immunity is very complex and there is conflicting evidence. Vitamin D can be taken as a pill if required, Melanoma can be lethal. To recommend people ignore important skin cancer prevention messages is irresponsible.
Best wishes
Mr Richard Martin (Surgical Oncologist)

19 Apr 2010 08:39p.m.

Helmut Letz wrote:

Hello John, Have just seen your report about the UV dosimeters. At present I am reading the newest book from Michael F Holick( he made most important discoveries about VitD and is the No 1 capacity in that field : "The Vitamin D Solution". Your report does not state which type of UV UVA or UVB this dosimeter is recording. This is essential to know. Only the UVB radiation can trigger the production of Vit D . This type of radiation is only happen during midday and depending on various facts eg. on latitude, altitude and time of the year. The representative of the Cancer Society was wrong as usually wen it comes to essential knowledge about cancer. Unfortunately we can expect that your report made more people confused about this very important health issue. I hope you have a chance to get really informed, just for your own benefit, and might even be able to broadcast another more clarifying report to this issue. Kind regards Helmut Letz