Why does unprotected exposure in childhood and adolescence increase the risk of skin cancer?
Studies looking at the effect of past outdoor sun exposure, in particular sunburn, link childhood exposure to significant increased risk of getting skin cancer later in life. It’s not clear if the increased risk of cancer is linked to: • 1. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) producing a specific effect in children’s cells. • 2. Exposure to UVR over a short period being more damaging than the same amount of exposure over a lifetime. Most skin damage is cumulative – it happens over time. This has led to the recommendation that babies and children always be protected from excessive sun exposure. Proper sun protection in babies and children will help reduce the risk of skin cancer in the future.
