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Health, Safety & Environmental Bulletin No 311

12 July 2012

Sun Induced Skin Cancer

At this time of the year, we all enjoy the sun, but need to be acutely aware of the effect it can have on
our skin. Over exposure to the sun is the biggest cause of skin cancer, one of the most common cancers
in the UK.

There are two main types of skin cancer, malignant melanoma of the skin and non-melanoma skin
cancer (NMSC) and they are extremely common. Malignant Melanoma is the most serious type. It
usually develops in the cells in the outer layers of skin but can spread to other parts of the body and
may be fatal. Melanoma may start with a change in a pre existing mole or freckle or previously normal
skin. Non Melanoma is the most common and easily treated type of cancer, more than 90% of cancers
are this type.

In 2009, over 91,100 non melanoma skin cancer cases were registered in the UK. The number of cases
has doubled in the last 20 years. In 2010, 2,749 people in the UK died from skin cancer.

Just because we live in the UK it doesn’t mean we can’t get it, in fact there are more skin cancer deaths
in the UK than in Australia even though Australia has more reported cases of the disease. Just because
in this country we don’t have sunny weather 365 days a year doesn’t mean we are immune, in fact
because sunny days are quite rare, people tend to stay in the sun for long periods which causes extreme
damage and can induce melanomas.

There are 2 types of U.V Rays - UVA and UVB:
• UVB radiation has a shorter wavelength and penetrates the upper layer of the epidermis and can
cause sunburn and skin cancer.
• UVA radiation has a longer wavelength and penetrates deeper into the dermis affecting elastin
and ageing the skin. Until recently UVA was thought not to have a roll in skin cancer
development, but increasing evidence shows that UVA and UVB both cause damage to the
DNA which can lead to skin cancer.

Always report any mole changes or unusual skin changes to your doctor.
• Skin cancer rates are increasing.
• Malignant melanoma is the third most common cancer in 15-39 year olds.

• The greater exposure to UV radiation the higher the risk.
• Most skin cancers are preventable by protecting the skin from the sun damaging rays.

• Skin cancer occurs mainly in people with fair hair, light eyes, freckly skin, red or fair hair, but
anyone who is exposed to the suns rays for long periods increases the risk of getting it.