Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, with more than 5 million people treated annually. Although melanoma accounts for only 5% of skin cancer cases, it accounts for more than 75% of the morbidity, and the incidence is increasing faster than for any other solid tumor. Yet, it is not just a cancer afflicting older adults. It is the second most common form of cancer in women aged 15 to 29 years.
There is strong evidence that UV radiation (UVR) causes skin cancer. Since 2009, the World Health Organization has classified UVR from sunlight and tanning devices as a class I human carcinogen. Whereas UV-B rays are responsible for sunburn, UV-A rays lead to photoaging (ie, wrinkles, discoloration), and, importantly, both types contribute to the pathogenesis of skin cancer. However, the degree to which UVR contributes to an individual’s risk of cancer depends on a...
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