How do uv rays cause cancer

Getting sunburn just once every two years can triple your risk of melanoma skin cancer, compared to never being burnt. Did you know the signs of sunburn can depend on your skin tone? For people with darker skin, it may just feel irritated, tender or itchy.

If you notice signs of sunburn, you should come out of the sun and cover up to help stop any more damage from happening. But the more times you get sunburnt the higher your risk of melanoma skin cancer. Reduce your risk of sunburn and protect your skin by using a combination of shade, clothing and sunscreen.

Find out the best ways to enjoy the sun safely. Melanoma skin cancer can grow down through the layers of the skin and spread to other parts of the body. Remember, when skin cancer is found at an early stage, treatment is more likely to be successful. Read more about melanoma skin cancer symptoms.

Brown, K. Skin cancer has also been linked to exposure to some man-made sources of UV rays. Many studies have found that basal and squamous cell skin cancers are linked to certain behaviors that put people in the sun, as well as a number of markers of sun exposure, such as:. Studies have also found links between certain behaviors and markers of sun exposure and melanoma of the skin , including:.

However, some studies have shown possible links to some other cancers , including Merkel cell carcinoma a less common type of skin cancer and melanoma of the eye. Studies have found that people who use tanning beds or booths have a higher risk of skin cancer, including melanoma and squamous and basal cell skin cancers. The risk of melanoma is higher if the person started indoor tanning before age 30 or 35, and the risk of basal and squamous cell skin cancer is higher if indoor tanning started before age In general, the American Cancer Society does not determine if something causes cancer that is, if it is a carcinogen , but we do look to other respected organizations for help with this.

Based on the available evidence, several expert agencies have evaluated the cancer-causing nature of UV radiation. One of its major goals is to identify causes of cancer. Based on the available data, IARC has made the following determinations:. UV exposure is a powerful attack on the skin, creating damage that can range from premature wrinkles to dangerous skin cancer.

Damage from UV exposure is cumulative and increases your skin cancer risk over time. The unrepaired damage builds up over time and triggers mutations that cause skin cells to multiply rapidly. That can lead to malignant tumors. The degree of damage depends on the intensity of UV rays and the length of time your skin has been exposed without protection.

Location is also a factor. If you live where the sun is strong year-round, your exposure level and risk increases. You can easily reduce your likelihood of developing skin cancer by taking care to protect yourself against UV radiation.

UVB facts and risks. UVB penetrates and damages the outermost layers of your skin. Overexposure causes suntan, sunburn and, in severe cases, blistering. UVB intensity fluctuates. UVB rays can be filtered and do not penetrate glass. UVA facts and risks. Notice: Users may be experiencing issues with displaying some pages on stanfordhealthcare.

We are working closely with our technical teams to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience. View the changes to our visitor policy » View information for Guest Services ». New to MyHealth? Manage Your Care From Anywhere. Activate Account.

Create a New Account. Forgot Username or Password? Ultraviolet radiation UV exposure categories Effects of UV exposure Genetics of skin cancer Other causes and risk factors for skin cancer.

Merkel cell cancer. T-cell lymphoma. What Is Ultraviolet Radiation? Energy from the sun reaches the earth as visible, infrared, and ultraviolet UV rays.