Skin Cancer Causes

Skin cancer has many potential causes, these include:

1. Studies have shown that smoking tobacco and related products can double the risk of skin cancer.
2. Overexposure to UV-radiation may cause skin cancer either via the direct DNA damage or via the indirect DNA damage mechanism. Overexposure (burning) UVA & UVB have both been implicated in causing DNA damage resulting in cancer. Sun strength between 10AM and 4PM is most intense. Natural (sun) & artificial UV exposure (tanning salons) are possibly associated with skin cancer.
   1. UVB rays primarily affect the epidermis causing sunburns, redness, and blistering of the skin when overexposed. The melanin of the epidermis is activated with UVB just as with UVA; however, the effects are longer lasting with pigmentation continuing over 24 hours.
   2. Chronic non-healing wounds, especially burns. These are called Marjolin's ulcers based on their appearance, and can develop into squamous cell carcinoma.
   3. Genetic predisposition, including "Congenital Melanocytic Nevi Syndrome". CMNS is characterized by the presence of "nevi" or moles of varying size that either appear at or within 6 months of birth. Nevi larger than 20 mm (3/4") in size are at higher risk for becoming cancerous.
   4. Human papilloma virus (HPV) is often associated with squamous cell carcinoma of the genital, anal, oral, pharynx, and fingers. It is believed that the HPV vaccine might help to prevent these cancers as well as cervical cancers.
   5. Skin cancer is one of the potential dangers of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation.

Further Reading

• What is Skin Cancer?
• Skin Cancer Classification
• Skin Cancer Symptoms
• Skin Cancer Diagnosis
• Skin Cancer Prevention
• Skin Cancer Management
• Skin Cancer Pathology

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