What is the risk of skin cancer from sun exposure?

The sun is a source of energy and enjoyment for many, but unfortunately, too much sun also carries risks, with skin cancer being one of the most serious consequences. It’s important to be aware of the dangers of UV radiation and the impact that prolonged sun exposure can have on your skin health. But what is the actual risk? And how can you protect yourself? In this blog, we discuss the risks of skin cancer from sun exposure and how you can reduce them.

What is skin cancer, and how does it develop?

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide. It develops when skin cells become damaged by exposure to UV radiation, causing them to divide uncontrollably. There are different forms of skin cancer, but the three most common are:  

• Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): This is the least aggressive of the three. This type often occurs in people who have been exposed to the sun for a long time, for example, during outdoor work or in their youth.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): This form of skin cancer develops faster than BCC and can spread to other parts of the body.
• Melanoma: This is the most aggressive of the three. It often develops due to excessive sun exposure and can unfortunately spread quickly to other organs.

The effects of UV radiation on the skin

UV radiation is the main cause of skin cancer. The sun emits two types of UV rays that can be harmful to the skin:  

• UV-A: These rays penetrate deeply into the skin and are responsible for skin ageing and the formation of wrinkles. They can also contribute to the development of cancer. 
• UV-B: These rays are responsible for sunburn and play a major role in the development of cancer.

The risk of skin cancer increases as the skin is exposed to these rays more often or for longer periods. Even on cloudy days or in winter, UV rays can be harmful. Want to know more about UV-Rays in the winter? Read our blog. It is important to realize that sunburn or tanned skin does not always reflect the severity of the damage to the skin.

How high is the risk of skin cancer from sun exposure?

The risk of skin cancer from sun exposure is not the same for everyone. Several factors influence the level of risk. This depends on your skin type, the duration and intensity of sun exposure, and any previous cases of skin cancer in your family. People with fair skin, many freckles, or a history of sunburn or sunstroke are at a higher risk.  

According to the World Health Organization, it is estimated that the chance of skin cancer can be reduced by 90% by simply using a high SPF sunscreen and ensuring sun protection. However, it is important to realize that protecting your skin involves more than just applying sunscreen.

Prevention is better than cure

Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce the risk of skin cancer from sun exposure. Here are some important measures you can take:

• Use sunscreen: Apply a sunscreen with a high SPF (at least 30) to all exposed skin and reapply it every two hours.
• Wear protective clothing: Clothing that blocks UV radiation, for example, clothes washed with UV-STOP Protection Wash. This helps protect your skin from harmful sun rays.
• Seek shade: The sun is strongest between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM, so try to spend these hours in the shade.
• Wear a hat and sunglasses: Protect your face, eyes, and neck by wearing a hat and sunglasses.
• Check your skin regularly: Keep a close eye on your skin and consult a doctor if you notice any suspicious changes.

Want to learn more about UV-STOP and different types of skin cancer? Then read our blog article: Is UV-STOP effective against all forms of skin cancer?

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