Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer. Energy from the Sun is actually a form of radiation. It consists of visible light and other radiation that people cannot see. Invisible infrared radiation, for example, makes the sun feel hot. UV is invisible, and causes sunburn and sun tan.
UV rays damage DNA, the genetic material that makes genes. Genes control growth and overall health of skin cells. If genetic damage is severe, a normal skin cells start to grow in the uncontrolled, disorderly manner in cancer cells. UV can also cause sunburn and other damage that makes the skin look prematurely old and wrinkled.
Two types of ultraviolet rays are invisible rays of the sun rays that cause sunburn, sunburn, premature skin aging, and most cases of skin cancer. They are Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB)
Scientists once thought that excessive exposure to UVB rays is the main cause of skin cancer. Now they think that UVA is also involved. That is why it is important for a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays use.
Some cases of skin cancer, but may be hereditary and run in families. In those cases, skin cancer caused by abnormal genes that children inherit from their parents. Genes make parents and children look somewhat similar. And can win on some of the same disease.
Excessive exposure to UV radiation from the sun damages the skin, making it the color, burn or even blister. Every time you expose your skin to the sun you add to your “lifetime exposure” and your risk of skin cancer. The number of serious sunburn that you have received, especially during childhood, also increases your risk.
There are three types of skin cancer – basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma.
BCC is the most common skin cancer – about 75 percent of skin cancer is diagnosed as BCC. It looks like a lump of dry or scaly area can be red, pale or pearly in color. A BCC grows slowly and usually appears on the head, neck and torso.
Approximately 20 percent of all skin cancers are SCC. This looks like a thickened, red scaly spot that may bleed easily, crust or ulcerate. SCC takes a few months to grow and usually appear on the skin most exposed to the Sun
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Although only 5 percent of all diagnosed skin cancer melanoma, they cause 80 percent of the deaths. You can melanoma at any age. For young people 10-24 years, melanoma is the most common cancer.
Melanoma appears as a new place or an existing spot that changes color, shape or size. It can spread to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early. Melanoma may appear on skin not normally exposed to the Sun.
Finding skin cancer early gives the best chance of successful treatment. If you are concerned about a spot on your skin, see your doctor as soon as possible. Read more about checking for skin cancer. To reduce your risk of skin cancer, The Cancer Council recommends protecting your skin when the UV radiation level 3 or higher.
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cancer, Causes Skin Cancer, Skin Cancer, Skin Cancer Causes, Skin Cancer Risks