UV exposure as a risk factor for skin cancer

Abstract

UV radiation is the major risk factor for the development of the main types of skin cancer, albeit with some differences. Non-melanoma skin cancers, particularly squamous cell carcinoma, are associated with cumulative UV dose, whereas malignant melanoma (MM) appears to be related to intermittent sun exposure. This seems to be confirmed by experimentally UV-induced MM, suggesting that sunburn in infancy may be an important risk factor for MM. Biomolecular studies have demonstrated that UV radiation promotes the formation of photoproducts, able to provoke UV-induced mutations, which are found in high frequency in squamous cell carcinomas. The role of UV radiation as a risk factor for MM should also be considered in relation to genetic predisposition. In subjects belonging to families with a high incidence of MM, genetic alterations, such as variants of the MC1R and CDKN2A gene mutations, associated with red hair and freckles, have been identified. UV radiation can affect the immune system, favoring the deve...