TO: All melanoma researchers, doctors, and patients.
A few years ago a study found the survival rate of melanoma on the foot--the most common foot malignancy--to be just 1 in 2, significantly worse than that elsewhere on the leg. (See Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery. 2003 Jul-Aug;42(4):193-8.) Why the foot?
The feet are habitually hidden in shoes and socks--especially when outdoors--which block natural light from reaching the sole or between the toes; inadequate sunlight means inadequate Vitamin D3 in the skin. Furthermore, shoes and socks do not permit full range of motion in the feet, and they chronically compress the blood vessels particularly along the top of the feet; both restrictions result in reduced foot circulation, and inadequate circulation means inadequate Vitamin D3 in the skin.
Note that the study spanned about 30 years, but the majority of the foot melanomas were diagnosed in its last decade. Indeed, during the 1990's, shoes became more deforming and less expensive, thereby contributing to an increased incidence of pedal melanoma via the resultant deficiency in Vitamin D.
James S.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
reference:
http://www.mpip.org/bb/shtml/333771.shtml
Last month's follow up to the 3rd annual discussion: "Is melanoma simply a Vitamin D deficiency cancer?"