{"id":1947,"date":"2019-05-05T10:00:46","date_gmt":"2019-05-05T10:00:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.associatedderm.net\/?p=1947"},"modified":"2021-07-18T15:03:34","modified_gmt":"2021-07-18T15:03:34","slug":"why-does-ultraviolet-light-cause-skin-cancer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.associatedderm.net\/why-does-ultraviolet-light-cause-skin-cancer\/","title":{"rendered":"Why does ultraviolet light cause skin cancer?"},"content":{"rendered":"
[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.associatedderm.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/5.png” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”4.7.0″ animation_direction=”left” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky=”off” border_style=”solid” always_center_on_mobile=”on” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ border_style=”solid”]It has been proven that 99% of non-melanoma skin cancers and 95% of melanomas are caused by too much exposure to UV radiation from the sun or other sources such as sunbeds and sun lamps. But why? You hear about the dangers of UV exposure all the time, but today we\u2019re going to look at the root causes<\/em> behind the damage.<\/p>\n Let Associated Dermatologists<\/a><\/u> help you get to know some important facts about this main factor that causes<\/em> skin cancer<\/strong>. We\u2019re a group of local dermatologists proudly serving Birmingham, Alabama and the surrounding areas.<\/p>\n View on Google Maps<\/em><\/a>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ border_style=”solid”]<\/p>\n A form of electromagnetic radiation primarily from the sun. Although there are also several man-made sources such as tanning and welding torches, sunlight is the main natural source of UV rays.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n UVA rays penetrate deeply<\/em> into the skin and that causes skin-aging in the form of genetic damage to the cells. This is the type of UV rays that are responsible for long-term skin damage such as wrinkles, blotchiness, and skin cancer. Tanning beds give off large amounts of UVA which is proven<\/strong> to increase the risk of skin cancer<\/a>.<\/p>\n The main cause of sunburns are the UVB rays which are a significant risk factor for skin cancer. This type has slightly more energy than UVA rays. UVB exposure can damage skin cells\u2019 DNA directly because the rays penetrate into the epidermis or the top layer of the skin.As mentioned above, both types of UV rays damage the skin and cause skin cancer<\/strong> but UVB rays, are the more potent cause of at least some skin cancers. But still, there are no safe UV rays.<\/p>\n The amount of UV exposure a person gets depends on the strength of the rays, the duration of time the skin is exposed, and whether the skin is protected by sunscreen or clothing.<\/p>\n In general, darker-skinned people are less likely to get skin cancer than light-skinned people. But still, they can get cataracts and also might face issues with immune suppression. That\u2019s why EVERYONE should take measures to protect themselves from both UVA and UVB rays.<\/p>\n As I mentioned earlier, we\u2019re going to dig deeper than most articles and look at the exact mechanisms behind the link between UV exposure and skin cancer. The bottom line is that UV rays modify the expression of a large number of genes within skin cells. One well-known modification is the \u201csignature mutations\u201d to the p53 gene referenced in the abstract of this study<\/a><\/u>. The p53 gene is responsible for helping to regulate cell cycles and is thus an important part of cancer suppression. Mutations to this gene can cause cells to grow uncontrollably. Changes to the Sonic Hedgehog pathway<\/a><\/u> (yes that really is a thing!) specifically cause PTCH1 and SMO mutations which may contribute to Basal Cell Carcinoma<\/a>. The action is different from the p53 gene mutation, but the end result is similar: cells are allowed to grow uncontrollably because the PTCH1 \u201coff switch\u201d is not properly limiting the cellular reproduction function controlled by the SMO signals.<\/p>\n <\/p>\nWhat is UV Radiation?<\/h2>\n
What types of UV rays cause skin cancer?<\/h2>\n
UVA Rays<\/h3>\n
UVB Rays<\/h3>\n
Factors affecting the strength of the UV rays<\/h2>\n
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Who is at risk of skin cancer?<\/h2>\n
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Other effects of UV rays<\/h2>\n
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What are the Exact Reasons why UV Light Causes Skin Cancer?<\/h2>\n
Root Causes: As you can see above, genetic mutation and alterations to the signaling pathways of our DNA caused by both UVA and UVB rays contribute to the risk of skin cancer.<\/h3>\n