Causes of skin cancer

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Several risk factors that increase the propensity for skin cancers get manifold. The exact reason why this happens damage DNA results and why such DNA damage cancer are not known unobstructed these risk factors only gives an idea about the factors that can be avoided to prevent skin cancers.

Risk Factors of skin cancers

Risk factors for skin cancers include: -

Exposure to sunlight

One of the major risk factors for skin cancer is exposure to sunlight (UV radiation). This is particularly true for basal cell and squamous cell cancers occurring in the exposed parts of the skin.

Sunlight is a source of UV radiation. This UV radiation exposure leads to damage the DNA of skin cells. The DNA damage is the underlying cause of any cancer.

Exposure to sunlight can be direct or may be indirect. Indirect exposure to sunlight is reflected by sand, water, snow, ice and shiny surfaces such as glass etc. Sun exposure is also high at higher elevations, such as in the mountains. The sun's rays can penetrate through clouds, windshields, windows and even pale clothes. US skin cancers are more common where the sun is strong in Texas eg.

Those with a propensity for severe burns and blisters on contact with sunlight are at increased risk of skin cancers. People who burn easily are more likely to have had sunburn as a child. The total amount of sun exposure over a lifetime is a risk factor for skin cancer. Those exposed to the sun during childhood are at higher risk too. It is found that most of the UV radiation exposure to the sun occurs before the age of 18.

Studies have shown that such a low risk of burns slightly but remain at risk. People who tanned little or not at all and burn more when exposed to the sun is more at risk of skin cancers.

Exposure to sunlamps and tanning booths

These are artificial sources of UV radiation that can cause sun damage to the skin and can increase the risk of skin cancers. Healthcare Providers strongly encourage young people especially to avoid using sun lamps and tanning booths. The risk is higher in users of sunlamps and tanning booths before the age of 30.

Family history of skin cancer

Those with a family history of skin cancers are at an increased risk of skin cancers. Melanoma sometimes runs in families. Having two or more close relatives or relatives of the first degree (parents, siblings or offspring) increases the risk of melanoma. Other types of skin cancer also sometimes operated with families. Those with a family history of xeroderma pigmentosum syndrome nevoid or basal cell carcinoma have skin that is more sensitive to the sun and increase the risk of skin cancer.

Melanoma Previous

Individuals who have had before melanoma are at greater risk of getting it again.

Age and sex

Men are more susceptible to cancers melanoma and non-melanoma skin. Melanomas can be found in younger people but rates of all types of skin cancer increases with increasing age.

Skin color

Individuals with fair or pale clear skin, especially with blond, red or brown hair and blue, green or gray rings are at increased risk.

Certain medications

Some diseases and medications such as some antibiotics, hormones or antidepressants can make the skin more sensitive to sun exposure and increase the risk of skin cancers.

Dysplastic nevus

Individuals with dysplastic nevi are at increased risk of getting melanoma. This is a kind of a spur that looks different from a common spur. It is larger, and its edges, structure, surface etc. may be different. It can be longer and wider with patches of various colors standing screens fest near to dark brown. The surface is smooth, little or gravelly and rough edges are masked. A dysplastic nevus is more likely that a common ram to twist cancer.

Large scars Viejas

The presence of large old scars, ulcers, burn marks and skin inflammations increase the risk of squamous cell cancers and basal cell cancers.

Arsenic exposure

Arsenic exposure increases the risk of basal cell or squamous cell cancers.

Radiation exposure

Radiation exposure of the skin to other cancers can damage the skin to cause cancers.

Actinic keratosis

Those with Actinic keratosis increase (a flat, scaly skin in the exposed areas such as surface and the backs of the hands) are at increased risk of squamous cell cancer.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Exposure to human papillomavirus or HPV also increases the risk of skin cancer squamous cell. These HPVs is different from the types of HPV that cause cancer of the cervix in the female reproductive tract.