Written by: Jasmine Biju
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. In fact, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, 1 in 5 individuals will develop skin cancer at some point in their life. There are three common types of skin cancer: squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Although squamous and basal cell carcinomas are the most prevalent types of skin cancer, melanoma is considered the most deadly due to metastasis. There are various risk factors that contribute to the increased likelihood of developing skin cancer.
As per the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, skin cancer can be predominantly attributed to overexposure to ultraviolet light. This can be both in artificial or natural form: direct contact with the sun or indoor tanning. In fact, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the higher the frequency of sunburn episodes one has, the risk of developing skin cancer develops. A sunburn is the body’s natural inflammatory response to damage on the outer layers of the skin induced by the sun. The foundation explains how if a person has five or more sunburn episodes, the risk of developing melanoma doubles. Likewise, indoor tanning through tanning beds and sun lamps has a similar effect. Such devices emit strong ultraviolet rays that can be up to ten to fifteen times stronger than rays emitted by the sun.
Furthermore, the effect ultraviolet light has on an individual is dependent upon the pigmentation of areas of their body that are regularly exposed to light: skin, iris, and hair. Although any individual is at risk of developing skin cancer, individuals with lighter pigmentation are at greatest risk. Melanin is a type of pigment that acts as a biological defense mechanism against sun damage. The less melanated the various parts of your body are, the less biological protection you have against harsh ultraviolet rays.
Additionally, there are other contributing factors that increase the likelihood of developing skin cancer. The presence of freckles and moles increases sensitivity to sunlight and thus greater susceptibility to the effects of ultraviolet light. Age also plays a variable in the development of skin cancer. The chance of being diagnosed with skin cancer increases with age. However, anyone, regardless of age, is able to develop such a condition.
There are many measures one can take to reduce the likelihood of developing skin cancer. To protect yourself from ultraviolet light, ensure to wear sunscreen, avoid the hottest part of the day, avoid indoor tanning, and seek shade when outside. After all, it is about prevention instead of intervention.
Image Source: The Skin Cancer Foundation
References:
Weber, B. “How do you get skin cancer?” Medical News Today, 18 April 2023, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-do-you-get-skin-cancer#risk-factors
“Skin Cancer.” Cleveland Clinic,
“Skin Cancer.” Mayo Clinic,
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