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Skin Cancer
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Environmental Pollution
EXPOSURE

Skin Cancer Risk Factors

The risk factors increasing the probability of developing skin cancer can be multiple, including:

  • Prolonged sun exposure or exposure during peak radiation hours – according to some estimates, this is the prevalent cause of skin cancer. The exposure to UV radiation from sun, especially to UV-B radiation was shown to cause DNA damage in skin cells resulting in the abnormal growth (usually involving the BCC and SCC skin cancer types). It is important to note that both intermittent and accumulated sun exposure (due to regular and repetitive exposures) may induce the appearance of skin cancers. This should be particularly disturbing to all of us since intermittent exposures are quite common – such as those from vacation (especially early in life). This type of exposure was linked with BCC type of skin cancer. However, a key here seems to be moderation since sun exposure in moderate amounts avoiding peak hours (around noon) may actually be beneficial for a stronger immune system promoting vitamin D formation and melanin (which seem to impede mutagenesis of cells).
  • Exposure to UV radiation from tanning booths could also be harmful to our skin and may result in skin cancer development later in life.
  • Geographical Location – some areas in the world receive higher UV radiation than others. In such areas, there are the highest numbers of skin cancers (such as Australia and South Africa). A key here seems to be avoidance of prolonged unprotected exposure or of acute exposures during peak hours.
  • Immune system – the weakening of immune system due to age or other causes may actually be the most important factor in the development of skin cancers, as well as many other cancers. Although the common knowledge blame sun exposure to most cases of skin cancer, the immune system may play an even more important role than the sun exposure since ultimately it is the ability of our immune system to kill any abnormal mutant cell (cancerous) that dictates the appearance of cancer. The tricky part is the fact that some moderate sun exposure may actually make our immune system stronger and thus improving our ability to protect against cancers. Additionally, many factors (including pollution) that may weaken our immune system become important risk factors for skin cancer as well as other cancers.
  • Pollution exposure – although many times overlook, pollution is a cause of many types of cancers, including skin cancer. Pollutants such as PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) and arsenic (As) are known to cause various types of skin cancer. Additionally other pollutants (especially those absorbed on particulate mater dispersed in air) may be a contributing factor and their potential synergistic effect is still to be well understood.
  • Reduction of ozone layer due to environmental pollution - Apart from causing skin cancer due to direct contact with the skin, some environmental pollution is known to cause the reduction of the protective ozone layer, resulting in more UV radiation reaching the Earth.
  • Genetic predisposition – like with most cancer, it seems that people with cases of skin cancer in family are more prone to develop this disease themselves at some point in their lives.
  • Skin aging – like many cancers, skin cancer develops at a higher rate in older population (usually above the age of 50), thus in an aging skin.
  • Therapeutic radiation exposure – such as that used to treat other types of cancer may, in some cases, induce the appearance of skin cancers.