What role does sun exposure play in the development of skin cancer?
A. The number one cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet, or UV radiation from the sun. However, UV light from tanning beds is equally dangerous. Q. Who needs sun protection and who is most at risk for skin cancer? A. No one is immune from skin cancer, but people who have fair skin that burns easily, light eyes and blond or red hair are at greatest risk. Darker skinned individuals should never consider themselves safe in the sun, although their risk is lower. Family and personal history of skin cancer should also be considered. And anyone who works outdoors or lives in an especially sunny area is at risk. Finally, a history of severe sunburns — even if they occurred a long time ago – as well as a large number of irregularly shaped moles can be risk factors for melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. Q. When do I need to protect myself from the sun’s rays? A. Sun protection is important all year round, and UV rays can damage skin during any season or temperature, and even when ther
