Cutaneous ultraviolet exposure and its relationship to the development of skin cancer

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Skin cancer is becoming an increasingly important public health problem. Multiple studies have now demonstrated a relationship between ultraviolet exposure and increased risk of developing skin cancer. However, the specifics of that association are somewhat different for malignant melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. A better understanding of the mechanisms that allow cutaneous ultraviolet radiation to induce neoplasia will result in the development of better future sun-protection agents and strategies.

Section snippets

Relationship of UV exposure to skin cancer development

The skin is the most exposed organ to environmental UV and to the associated sequellae.2 Exposure to UV radiation on the skin results in clearly demonstrable mutagenic effects. The p53 suppressor gene, which is frequently mutated in skin cancers, is believed to be an early target of the UV radiation–induced neoplasm.3 Although there is no direct way that the active wavelengths for the development of skin cancer in human beings can be determined, there is ample indirect evidence demonstrating

Summary

There are now many studies that provide a firm basis for the association of UV exposure with the development of skin cancer. Yet, a variety of questions remain regarding the exact basis for this relationship. Hopefully, we will have even more definitive answers to questions related to the optimization of effectiveness of UV photoprotection and for reducing the risk from exposure to UV radiation as improved photoprotective agents, strategies, and methods are developed in the future.

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  • Cited by (0)

    Supported by L'Oréal.

    Disclosure: Dr Rigel has served in the past as a consultant for sunscreen evaluation for L'Oréal; La Roche Posay; Neutrogena; Johnson and Johnson; Beiersdorf; and Proctor and Gamble.

    Reprints not available from the author.

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