What Types of Skin Cancer are Linked to UV Radiation?
There are three main types of skin cancer associated with UV radiation exposure:
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common type of skin cancer, BCC arises in the basal cells at the bottom of the epidermis. It is usually caused by long-term exposure to UV radiation. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): This type of cancer forms in the squamous cells that make up the middle and outer layers of the skin. Chronic exposure to UV radiation increases the risk of SCC. Melanoma: The deadliest form of skin cancer, melanoma originates in the melanocytes, which are the cells that produce pigment in the skin. Intermittent, intense UV exposure, such as sunburns, is particularly associated with melanoma.
