Causes Of Skin Cancer

Causes of skin cancer can first be examined by finding out which area or country has the highest incidence rate. Well, Australia has the distinction of having the highest number of cases. In fact, this rate is so high, that every other person in Australia will most likely develop some form of skin cancer. Ultraviolet radiation from the sunlight and/or tanning machines is the leading cause of skin cancer in this country. This radiation may not be seen or felt when it is occurring, it can still cause a sunburn, skin damage, early aging, and skin cancer.

Australia has high ultraviolet radiation levels all year around and this is most likely the reason why Australia sees such a large amount of skin cancer. It is seen in older adults most commonly, simply due to the fact that they have been exposed to the radiation for their entire lives. Most healthcare providers believe that the causes of skin cancer have much to do with the damage from sunburns at a young age.

Some research studies have determined that damage to the white cells that occurs during childhood sun exposure can be triggered in your adult life and this process is what begins the process of cancer growth.

Factors that can contribute to skin cancer include:

Had sunburns during childhood

Works in the sun or spends quite a bit of time in the sun

Does not use sunscreen for protection

Has skin that is fair, red skin, and blue or green eyes

Has intense exposures to the sun on an infrequent basis

Australia was their home during their younger years

Has had sunburn in childhood

Has quite a few moles

Has skin that is fair that burns easily and freckles, instead of tanning

Has solar keratoses or sun spots

Has a compromised immune system, due to medications, being HIV positive, etc.

People who have olive or dark skin have more natural sun protection, simply because their skin produces more melanin than those people with fairer skin. Even the olive skinned people need to protect their skin with sunscreen in Australia, however.

There are several ways that you can protect yourself from skin cancer, including:

Staying out of the sun between 11am and 3pm.

Wear clothes that cover your body.

Use shade whenever possible.

Wear hats to protect your neck, face, and ears from the sun.

Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Wear sunscreen that has a SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30 when in the sun.

Stay away from tanning beds and sun lamps.

More skin cancer articles can be found here.