Can skin cancer be caused by something other than sun?
It can be.” In fact a skin cancer in a hidden part of the body is actually more likely to be a melanoma, which is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. But non-melanoma skin cancers – basal cell and squamous cell cancers – can sometimes occur in non-sun-exposed areas too.
What things can cause skin cancer?
Factors that may increase your risk of skin cancer include:
- Fair skin. Anyone, regardless of skin color, can get skin cancer. …
- A history of sunburns. …
- Excessive sun exposure. …
- Sunny or high-altitude climates. …
- Moles. …
- Precancerous skin lesions. …
- A family history of skin cancer. …
- A personal history of skin cancer.
What is the human cause of increased skin cancer?
Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun is the main cause of most skin cancers. UV light damages the DNA (genetic material) in our skin cells and can cause skin cancer. Skin damage can occur due to exposure to the sun over a long period of time, or to being exposed to too much sun and getting sunburnt.
What are the 4 signs of skin cancer?
Rough or scaly red patches, which might crust or bleed. Raised growths or lumps, sometimes with a lower area in the center. Open sores (that may have oozing or crusted areas) and which don’t heal, or heal and then come back. Wart-like growths.
What causes BCC?
What causes basal cell carcinoma (BCC)? Exposure to the ultraviolet rays in sunlight is a main cause. BCC is often found on the areas of the body reached by the sun, such as the face, hands and neck. Exposure to radiation and/or arsenic may also be a cause.
Who is more prone to skin cancer?
Skin cancer is more common in fair skinned people because they have less of the protective pigment called melanin. People with darker skin are less likely to get skin cancer. But they can still get skin cancer. Darker skinned people are particularly at risk of skin cancer where the body has less direct sun exposure.
Who gets skin cancer the most?
Melanoma is more common in men overall, but before age 50 the rates are higher in women than in men. The risk of melanoma increases as people age. The average age of people when it is diagnosed is 65. But melanoma is not uncommon even among those younger than 30.
What age does skin cancer start?
Age. Most basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas typically appear after age 50. However, in recent years, the number of skin cancers in people age 65 and older has increased dramatically. This may be due to better screening and patient tracking efforts in skin cancer.
What is the #1 cause of skin cancer?
Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. To lower your risk of getting skin cancer, you can protect your skin from UV rays from the sun and from artificial sources like tanning beds and sunlamps.
Can skin cancer run in families?
Melanoma can run in families. In fact, about one in every 10 patients diagnosed with melanoma has a family member with a history of the disease. If one or more close biological relatives – parents, brothers, sisters or children – had melanoma, you are at increased risk.
Can anyone get skin cancer?
Anyone can get skin cancer. It’s more common among people with a light (fair) skin tone, but skin cancer can affect anyone. Skin cancer can affect both men and women. Even teenagers and, rarely, younger children can develop skin cancer.