Can Sun's UV rays cause cancer?

Physicians in the late 19th century already suspected a link between skin cancer and sun exposure. However, the suspicion was confirmed through animal experiments in the early 20th century.

Multiple epidemiological studies conducted in the last decades of the 20th century refined the knowledge on the aetiology of skin cancers. On analyzing the genetic mutations in skin carcinomas, UV radiations were found as the cause.

The sun’s powerful ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a notable and ubiquitous physical carcinogen produced by our natural environment. The rays are genotoxic. However, they do not penetrate our bodies beyond the skin.

So, yes, UV rays do cause cancer.

UV rays-An in-depth look

Your eyes cannot see UV rays because they have a shorter wavelength compared to visible light. However, your skin can feel it. Sun is not the only source of UV rays, tanning beds, meant to give your skin that sun-kissed glow, is also a source of these harmful rays.

There are two types of UV rays contributing to cancer:

Ultraviolet A or UVA-This has a longer wavelength & is associated with skin aging.
Ultraviolet B or UVB-This has a comparatively shorter wavelength & is associated with skin burns.

According to researchers and cancer specialists, most skin cancers are caused by UV exposure. Both squamous cell cancers & basal cell cancers are more commonly found on sun-exposed skin. Not only that, but their occurrence is related to sun exposure. 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancers have been linked to exposure to UV radiation from the sun. It doesn’t end here. An increased risk of melanoma, a far more serious type of skin cancer, has also been associated with exposure to UV rays, but mostly man-made.

How exactly do the sun and UV cause cancer?

Extended periods of UV exposure from being in the sun can damage skin cell DNAs and cause skin cancer.

If you get too much radiation either from the sun or sunbeds, the DNA damage caused by it builds up over time. If enough damage builds up, your skin cells can get affected & grow exponentially, leading to skin cancer.

Did you know getting sunburnt ONCE every 2 years can triple the risk of melanoma skin cancer? Yes, UV rays are that dangerous.

Link between sunbathing and skin cancer

65% of the Indian population isn’t aware of the perils of sun damage. While due to the generalized higher concentration of melanin, the chances of sunburn are less, but UV damage is still very prevalent.

Sunbathing to tan can damage your skin, speeding up the aging process. It can also lead to enough damage causing skin cancer. It can cause pre-cancerous skin lesions like actinic keratosis and cancerous skin lesions like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. It can also cause benign tumors and many other skin irregularities.

Who is at risk?

Anyone can get skin cancer with sun exposure/UV exposure. However, people with fair & freckled skin that burns easily, people with lighter eyes, and lighter hair (blond, red, etc.) are more at risk compared to darker-skinned individuals.

There are other risk factors as well including, family history or personal history of skin cancer, an outdoorsy job, and living in a sunny climate. Even a history of bad sunburns and an excess (more than 30) of large, irregularly shaped moles are risk factors for skin cancer.

Can you prevent skin cancer through UV damage?

Both researchers & cancer specialists say that sun damage cannot be completely undone. However, your skin can repair itself to a great extent with continuous sun protection. Here’s what you can do:

Apply sunscreen with a high SPF-30 or higher for UVB protection and zinc oxide-for UVA protection 20 minutes before you go out. It should be applied every 2 hours after the first application.
Choose your clothing, cosmetic products, and even glasses or contact lenses that provide UV protection.
Use sunglasses when outside with UV protection & wide-brimmed hats to shade your neck & face.
Try to avoid coming in contact with direct sun exposure during peak UV hours (10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m).
Self-examine your skin regularly (monthly) to get familiar with your body so you can distinguish between new and existing skin growths.
If you are a parent, you should encourage & implement skin cancer prevention habits in your child.

What should you do if you do get sunburnt?

If you’re out in the sun & you notice your skin becoming pink or red, you should immediately come out of the sun. Get inside & cover up to stop any more damage. Reapplying sunscreen at this point won’t help the damage, and it won’t help you stay out in the sun safely for longer.

According to cancer specialists, the damage to your DNA is done. But putting on after sun lotion can help make you feel better.

Keep in mind that getting sunburnt does not guarantee skin cancer, but it does increase the chances of getting it.

In the end

As people become more aware of the safety measures that they can take to prevent skin cancer, the cases of skin cancer will go down. However, despite taking all the measures, if you are diagnosed with skin cancer, don’t despair because it is treatable. Consult with a reputable cancer specialist like Dr. Manish Singhal, and you will get the best treatment possible for the same.

Note

As a top cancer doctor in Delhi, Dr. Manish Singhal has dealt with many patients with skin cancer. He is knowledgeable and well equipped to treat all types of skin cancer. He has a team of exceptional experts to help make the journey of skin cancer patients as smooth as possible.