Skin cancers and sunburn - Causes of skin cancer

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Skin cancer is mainly caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun (solar UV radiation) and other sources such as solariums or UV lamps. Very few cases of melanoma are due to inherited genes (family cancer).

The most important years for sun protection are during childhood and adolescence. Exposure to UV radiation during these years greatly increases the chance of developing skin cancer later in life. Most areas in Australia have high levels of UV radiation for most of the year.

Who is at risk?
Most people living in Australia are at risk of getting skin cancer, but some groups are more at risk. These are people who:

are fair skinned and burn quickly
have freckles and/ or moles
were exposed to the Australian sun as children
suntan intentionally
have a family history of skin cancer
work outdoors for lengthy periods of time
use solariums, sunlamps and sunbeds

Ultraviolet radiation
There are many different types of solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation — UVA, UVB and UVC. UVC does not reach the earth's surface. Both UVA and UVB radiation can cause skin cancer.

UV radiation varies according to a number of factors such as time of year, latitude and altitude. It is not warm and cannot be seen or felt. It can pass through light cloud so sunburn can occur on cool or cloudy days

Skin tanning
A tan is a sign of skin damage. Deliberate exposure to all forms of ultraviolet (UV) radiation will increase your risk of skin damage and skin cancer. Tanning without burning will still cause irreversible skin damage and result in premature ageing.

The Cancer Council Tasmania does not recommend any deliberate form of tanning as it will increase the risk of skin cancer.

Solariums
Solariums or sunbeds can emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation up to five times as strong as the midday sun. Solariums emit both UVA and UVB radiation—both are known causes of skin damage and skin cancer.

All forms of UV radiation contribute to the skin cancer epidemic in Australia . The Cancer Council Tasmania does not recommend the use of solariums or sunbeds for cosmetic purposes.

For further information call the Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20