Causes and risk factors of skin cancer
At least two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 70.
For more information about the causes and risk factors choose from the headings below:
What are the main causes and risk factors for skin cancer?
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun
Sun exposure is the cause of around 99% of non-melanoma skin cancers and 95% of melanoma skin cancers in Australia.
The sun emits different types of radiation - visible light or sunlight that we see, infrared radiation (heat) that we feel, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation that can't be seen or felt.
There are two types of UV radiation that reach the Earth's surface - UVA and UVB. UV radiation causes sunburn, premature ageing of the skin, eye damage and skin cancer.
Each time your unprotected skin is exposed to UV radiation, it changes the structure of the cells and what they do. Overexposure to UV radiation permanently damages the skin and the damage gets worse with more UV radiation.
Sun protection throughout our lives is important, particularly during childhood. UV exposure in childhood greatly increases the chance of getting melanoma later in life because the damaged cells have time to grow and develop into cancer.
UV radiation from solariums (sunbeds or sunlamps)
A solarium is an artificial tanning device that uses electricity to produce UV radiation to tan the skin. Solariums expose the user to UVA and UVB radiation, increasing their risk of developing skin cancer.
The Cancer Council WA does not recommend using solariums for cosmetic tanning under any circumstance. For more information visit our solarium tanning page.
Sunburn
In Australia, sunburn can occur in as little as 15 minutes on a fine summers day. Sunburn at any age, whether serious or mild, can cause permanent skin damage.
Sunburn is a major risk factor for developing melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Melanoma is more likely to occur in people who are exposed to the sun every now and then (eg. on weekends or holidays, especially if they get sunburnt), not a little bit everyday.
However, people who have accumulated a lot of sun exposure continuously (eg. outdoor workers) are also at increased risk.
Tanning
The skin cells in the epidermis (the top layer of the skin) produce a pigment called melanin, which gives skin its colour.
When skin is exposed to UV radiation more melanin is produced, causing the skin to darken or 'tan'.
Having a tan is a sign that the skin has been overexposed to UV radiation and damage has occurred. Even a light tan shows that the skin has been damaged.
Some people think it's safe to tan, as long as they don't burn. This is not true - there is no such thing as a healthy or safe tan.
Who is at risk of developing skin cancer?
Most people living in Australia are at risk of developing skin cancer. You are at higher risk of developing skin cancer if you have:
- fair skin that burns easily and does not tan;
- blue or green eyes and/or fair or red hair;
- suffered sunburn as a child;
- spent your childhood in Australia;
- a large number of freckles or moles;
- a family or personal history of skin cancer;
- used a solarium; and/or
- worked or spent a lot of leisure time in the sun.
