Posted: April 30th, 2022

Increasing the Knowledge of How UV Radiations and Skin Cancer Are Related

Increasing the Knowledge of How UV Radiations and Skin Cancer Are Related
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the primary cause of skin cancer (American Cancer Society, 2022). There exists a strong relationship between exposure to UV radiation and the development of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Understanding this relationship is crucial to increasing awareness of skin cancer risks and promoting prevention strategies.
UV radiation comes in three types – UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. UVA and UVB rays reach the Earth’s surface and are responsible for the majority of skin damage from the sun (American Academy of Dermatology, 2023). UVB rays primarily cause sunburns and are considered the main cause of most skin cancers. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to skin cancer development and premature skin aging like wrinkles and age spots. While UVC rays are the most damaging type of UV radiation, they do not penetrate the Earth’s ozone layer and atmosphere, so people on Earth are not directly exposed to UVC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022).
The mechanism by which UV radiation leads to skin cancer involves DNA damage to skin cells. UV exposure causes mutations and damage to genetic material in skin cells (National Cancer Institute, 2022). When skin cells are exposed to UV radiation, it can damage cellular DNA in ways that lead to mutations that may initiate cancer development if skin cells are not properly repaired. UV radiation exposure causes cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and 6-4 photoproducts (6-4PPs) – two types of DNA damage that interfere with normal cell function and replication if unrepaired (American Academy of Dermatology, 2023). Accumulation of unrepaired DNA mutations over time contributes to the development of skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. In melanoma, a rare but deadly form of skin cancer, UV radiation exposure is also a significant risk factor and may cause specific gene mutations that drive melanoma formation and growth (National Cancer Institute, 2022).
There is a clear dose-response relationship between UV exposure and skin cancer risk, meaning that greater lifetime exposure to the sun’s UV rays corresponds to a higher risk of developing skin cancer (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). Those who have had sunburns, spend time outdoors without protection, or live in areas closer to the equator with more intense sun exposure face elevated risks. Outdoor workers, farmers, and individuals with fair skin and light-colored eyes have shown to have higher rates of skin cancer compared to the general population due to cumulative UV exposure over many years (American Academy of Dermatology, 2023).
In conclusion, extensive research has established UV radiation from the sun as the primary environmental cause of skin cancer. The relationship involves DNA damage and mutations caused by UV that can initiate cancer development. Increasing public understanding of this relationship through education on sun safety, skin self-exams, and early detection can help reduce skin cancer risks.
(American Cancer Society, 2022)
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022)

(National Cancer Institute, 2022)

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