Skin cancer: Protecting your skin
What do I need to know about ultraviolet radiation and my skin?
The sunlight that reaches the earth has ultraviolet A and B (UVA and UVB) rays. These ultraviolet (UV) rays are the main causes of damage to the skin from the sun. Some people are more susceptible than others to skin damage. Certain factors may mean that you have an increased risk of developing skin cancer:
- A personal history of skin cancer
- A family member with skin cancer
- More than 50 moles
- Abnormal moles (atypical moles), or moles larger than 6 mm (0.2 in.), about the size of a pencil eraser
- A weakened immune system
- Severe sunburns—even one—as a child, or sunburns as an adult
- Living in a sunny or high-altitude climate or near the equator
- Fair skin that burns or freckles easily and does not tan
Sunburns in childhood are the most damaging to the skin. The earlier in life that you are burned by the sun, the greater the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.
Some people believe that tanning protects against a sunburn. However, the amount of sun exposure needed to get a tan can by itself cause excessive skin damage and outweigh any possible benefit.
Test Your Knowledge
Answer the following questions to see whether you understand what UV radiation does to your skin.
Your chances of getting skin cancer can be decreased by limiting exposure to the sun.
One sunburn during childhood may cause skin cancer years later.
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Why is it necessary to protect the skin?
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| Author: | Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH | Last Updated: January 11, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Randall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology | |
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