Skin Cancer Causes & Risks

Causes

In genetically susceptible people, ultraviolet radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer. But artificial radiation from sun lamps and tanning booths can also cause skin cancer.

Actinic keratosis is a precancerous lesion. It is caused by accumulated exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. If left untreated, it may progress to squamous cell carcinoma (which occurs approximately 10% of the time).

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

Risk factors include:

• Fair skin that freckles easily
• Red or blonde hair
• Light-colored eyes
• Age: 50 or older
• Sex: male
• Race: White people who live in places where the sun's rays are strong year-round
• Excessive sun exposure without protective clothing or sunscreen
• Exposure to arsenic, industrial tar, coal, paraffin, and certain types of oil (for squamous cell carcinoma)
• Radiation treatment
• Light treatments for psoriasis , especially PUVA
• Chronic, nonhealing wounds (for squamous cell carcinoma)
• Certain genetic diseases such as basal cell nevus syndrome or xeroderma pigmentosum