How Do You Get Skin Cancer?

There are two types of skin cancer, each being named after the type of skin cell it affects. All skin cancers are caused in the first instance by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, although the development of the disease is different for each type. The first, and most common form of the disease is non-melanoma skin cancer. This affects the Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Non-melanoma skin cancer is generally caused simply by over-exposure to UV radiation, which is particularly prevalent around the hottest times of the day. As a result, those who spend extended periods of time in the sun around 11am to 3pm are at the highest risk.

The second form of skin cancer is known as malignant melanoma. Like non-melanoma cancer this can be caused by over-exposure to UV radiation, but can also be caused by sunburn. As a result, avoiding the sun between 11am and 3pm is also an effective preventative measure for this type of cancer, but avoiding sun burn is also key. The use of sun screen has been shown to be effective in deterring malignant melanoma skin cancer, but it has not been determined whether or not this helps avoid the non-melanoma form of the disease.

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