Ultraviolet Radiation and Skin Cancer

Thanks to public health campaigns, it is now common knowledge that exposure to the sun and tanning beds increases the risk of skin cancer. However, many people do not know why. The answer is found in an invisible form of light known as ultraviolet light, or UV.

How cells become cancerous

Skin cells are constantly dividing in order to renew the skin. At the heart of this process is DNA, which acts both as a cell’s blueprint and its operating instructions. If a cell’s DNA is damaged, a cell starts to reproduce uncontrollably, which creates more faulty skin cancer cells and eventually a tumor.

How UV light damages DNA

Exposure to UV light is the most common way that skin cells are damaged. There are two types of UV light: UVA and UVB. UVB is very damaging to the skin and can produce sunburn in minutes. It has the ability to penetrate the skin and strike the DNA directly, causing its delicate bonds to shatter. UVA is less power than even UVB and for a long time it was thought that UVA was not dangerous. Now scientists know the truth- UVA produces dangerous molecules within the cell called free radicals. When free radicals come into contact with DNA molecules there is a chemical reaction that causes damage.

How the body repairs DNA damage

In most cases, the body identifies damaged cells and destroys them. The repair process causes the redness and pain that we associate with sunburn. It is unpleasant, but the damage ends there. However, if a damaged cell is not identified and destroyed, it can go on to cause cancer later.

So now that you are aware of the damage caused by UV light, make sure you protect yourself while outside. The best protection is clothing, especially hats and sun protection shirts that cover the shoulders and upper arms. Protect any remaining exposed skin with sunscreen to greatly reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.