Sun Protection and Skin Cancer: Does the Sun Cause Skin Cancer? (2024)

Hugh Jackman is urging others to practice sun safety after sharing his most recent skin cancer scare on social media.

Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells, and it’s a common form of cancer that can occur anywhere on the body. The actor recently underwent two biopsies after a recent doctor’s visit; however, this isn’t Jackman’s first skin cancer scare, as he had his first skin cancer removal in 2013 and has undergone several additional procedures since.

"Please wear sunscreen, it is just not worth it, no matter how much you want a tan. Trust me!" he said.

What is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the skin cells. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer globally according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Skin cancer primarily occurs on areas of sun-exposed skin — including your arms and hands, scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, chest and legs — though it may also form on less common areas of the body, including your palms, under your nail beds and your genital area, so it’s important to screen yourself for any noticeable changes to your skin regularly.

Types of Skin Cancer

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC):

  • This is the most common type of skin cancer.
  • It originates in the basal cells, which are found at the bottom of the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin).
  • BCC typically appears as a painless, raised area of skin that may be shiny or pearly in appearance.
  • It tends to grow slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC):

  • This type of skin cancer arises from the squamous cells, which are found in the middle and outer layers of the skin.
  • SCC often appears as a red, scaly, or crusted bump on the skin.
  • It can be more aggressive than BCC and has a higher likelihood of spreading to other parts of the body.

Melanoma:

  • This is the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
  • It develops in the melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment (melanin) that gives skin its color.
  • Melanoma can develop from an existing mole or suddenly appear as a new dark spot on the skin.
  • It has a higher tendency to spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body, making it more difficult to treat if not caught early.

Skin Cancer Symptoms

Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma are the major types of skin cancer to be aware of. Signs of skin cancer can vary; potentially concerning skin cancer symptoms to be aware of include:

  • Existing moles that change in color, size or feel, or that bleed
  • Brown, red or purple spots or patches
  • Lesions — these may appear red, pink, white, blue or blue-black and might be scaly, scar-like, or crusted
  • New bumps or nodules — they may be firm, pearly, or waxy

While the cause of these symptoms is not always skin cancer, it is always best to keep your dermatologist or health care provider informed so they can help you obtain treatment, if necessary.

Skin Cancer Risk Factors

A risk factor is anything that increases the chance of developing cancer. Risk factors can be behaviors, substances, conditions, or genetic traits that are associated with a higher likelihood of cancer development. While having one or more risk factors does not mean that a person will definitely get cancer, it does increase the probability compared to individuals without these risk factors. Similarly, some people who develop cancer may not have any known risk factors.

Some skin cancer risk factors are:

  • Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds.
  • Fair skin, light hair, and light eye color.
  • Family history of skin cancer.
  • Certain genetic conditions, such as xeroderma pigmentosum.
  • A large number of moles or atypical moles.
  • A history of sunburns and sun damage, particularly early in life.
  • Weakened immune system.

Skin Cancer Treatment

Skin cancer treatment options depend on the type, size, location, and stage of the cancer. Common treatments include:

  • Surgical removal of the cancerous tissue.
  • Cryotherapy (freezing the cancer cells).
  • Topical medications.
  • Radiation therapy.
  • Chemotherapy.
  • Immunotherapy and targeted therapy for advanced melanoma.

Early detection and treatment can play a huge part in a skin cancer journey. If you notice any changes in your skin, such as new growths, sores that do not heal, or changes in existing moles, it's important to consult your healthcare provider.

Skin Cancer Causes

Skin cancer is primarily caused by damage to the DNA in skin cells, which leads to abnormal cell growth. Various factors can contribute to this DNA damage, and the causes can be broadly categorized into environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors. Here are the main causes of skin cancer:

1. Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation:

  • Sun Exposure: The most common cause of skin cancer is prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. UV exposure damages the DNA in skin cells, leading to mutations and the development of cancer.
  • Tanning Beds: Artificial sources of UV radiation, such as tanning beds and sunlamps, can also increase the risk of skin cancer.

2. Genetic Factors:

  • Family History: Having a family history of skin cancer can increase an individual's risk, suggesting a genetic predisposition.
  • Genetic Mutations: Certain genetic conditions make individuals more susceptible to UV rays and increase the risk of skin cancer.

3. Fair Skin:

  • Skin Type: Individuals with fair skin, light hair, and light eyes are at higher risk because they have less melanin, which provides some protection against UV radiation.
  • Sunburn History: People who have had severe sunburns, especially in childhood, are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer later in life.

4. Weakened Immune System:

  • Immunosuppression: People with weakened immune systems, such as organ transplant recipients taking immunosuppressive drugs or individuals with HIV/AIDS, have a higher risk of skin cancer.

5. Chemical Exposure:

  • Carcinogens: Exposure to certain chemicals, such as arsenic, can increase the risk of skin cancer.

6. Age and Gender:

  • Age: The risk of skin cancer increases with age, as the cumulative exposure to UV radiation and other risk factors adds up over time.
  • Gender: Men are generally at a higher risk of developing skin cancer than women, partly due to higher levels of outdoor activity and occupational exposure.

7. Previous Skin Cancer:

  • History of Skin Cancer: Individuals who have had skin cancer before are at higher risk of developing it again.

8. Radiation Therapy:

  • Medical Treatments: People who have received radiation therapy for other conditions may have an increased risk of developing skin cancer in the treated area.

9. Certain Medical Conditions and Treatments:

  • Chronic Inflammation or Injury: Chronic skin inflammation or injury, such as scars or burns, can increase the risk of skin cancer.
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Certain strains of HPV are associated with an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma.

Understanding Sun Exposure, Skin Cancer Prevention, and Practicing Sun Safety

Though Jackman is native to Australia, which has the highest skin cancer rate in the world, he has said his prior diagnoses have still come as a surprise.

“It’s always a bit of a shock just hearing the word ‘cancer,’” he shared. “Being Australian it’s a very common thing. I never wore sunscreen growing up, so I was a prime candidate for it.”

While his recent biopsies have thankfully come back negative, Jackman hopes his skin cancer scare reminds people to be sun safe. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation plays a large part in the formation of skin cancer cells.

Here are some tips to promote sun safety and limit unnecessary sun exposure:

Limit Unnecessary Sun Exposure

  • Avoid indoor tanning beds and tanning lotions with low SPF (sun protection factor)
  • Limit your time in the sun to avoid over-exposure

Wear Sunscreen

  • Use sunscreen products — UV protection even on cloudy days, your skin can be exposed to high levels of UV rays
    • Sunscreen use and products including titanium dioxide and zinc oxide can help protect against the sun’s UV rays
  • Consider a broad-spectrum sunscreen which protects against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from the sun
  • Consider a water-resistant sunscreen with a 30 SPF minimum

Wear Protective Clothing

  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat —the scalp is a common area of occurrence for skin cancer formation; if you plan to be outside for a while, wearing a hat is a great way to keep your scalp protected
  • Sun-protective clothing can be a great addition to outdoor adventures like beach days, hiking, fishing, or playing.

Schedule Your Screening

Skin care is often overlooked as part of health care, but it’s important to make it a priority. It’s a good idea to see a dermatologist annually. Early detection of skin cancer gives you the greatest likelihood of successful skin cancer treatment. And while not all skin changes are caused by skin cancer, if you notice any changes that cause you to worry, schedule an appointment with your doctor right away.

Sun Protection and Skin Cancer: Does the Sun Cause Skin Cancer? (2024)

FAQs

Sun Protection and Skin Cancer: Does the Sun Cause Skin Cancer? ›

Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. UV rays are an invisible kind of radiation that comes from the sun, tanning beds, and sunlamps. UV rays can damage skin cells. Protection from UV rays is important all year, not just during the summer.

Does the sun actually prevent cancer? ›

It is estimated that there is a 30 to 50% reduction in risk for developing colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer by either increasing vitamin D intake to least 1000 IU/d vitamin D or increasing sun exposure to raise blood levels of 25(OH)D >30 ng/ml. Most tissues in the body have a vitamin D receptor.

How long does it take to get skin cancer from the sun? ›

The majority of sun exposure occurs before age 18 and skin cancer can take 20 years or more to develop. Whether your sun bathing days are behind you or you still spend time pursuing the perfect tan, you should be concerned about skin cancer.

What causes skin cancer? ›

Most cases of skin cancer are caused by overexposure to UV rays from the sun, tanning beds, or sunlamps. UV rays can damage skin cells. In the short term, this damage can cause a sunburn. Over time, UV damage adds up, leading to changes in skin texture, premature skin aging, and sometimes skin cancer.

Does sunscreen prevent skin cancer? ›

When used as directed, sunscreen can: Decrease your risk of skin cancers and skin precancers. Studies show that regular daily use of SPF 15 sunscreen, when used as directed, can reduce your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by about 40 percent, and lower your melanoma risk by 50 percent.

Is the sun really bad for your skin? ›

Over time, UV damage can take a toll on your skin and its underlying connective tissue. As a result, your skin may develop more wrinkles and lines. Too much sun exposure can also raise your risk for skin cancer, the most common type of cancer in the United States.

Is the sun the only way to get skin cancer? ›

Two parts of UV, UVA and UVB, can both cause damage to skin. Also, the sun isn't the only cause of skin cancer. There are other causes. That's why skin cancer may be found in places on the body never exposed to the sun.

What is the survival rate for skin cancer from the sun? ›

The five-year survival rate for people whose melanoma is detected and treated before it spreads to the lymph nodes is 94%. The five-year survival rate for melanoma that spreads to nearby lymph nodes is 74%. The five-year survival rate for melanoma that spreads to distant lymph nodes and other organs is 35%.

Can skin cancer be healed? ›

Nearly all skin cancers can be cured if they're treated before they have a chance to spread. The earlier skin cancer is found and removed, the better your chance for a full recovery. It's important to continue following up with your dermatologist to make sure cancer doesn't come back.

Is skin cancer from the sun curable? ›

You can protect your skin from too much UV exposure by wearing sunscreen when you go outside. Skin cancer from UV radiation is treatable and leads to a good prognosis if detected early.

Who mostly gets skin cancer? ›

The majority of people who develop melanoma are white men over age 55. But until age 49, significantly more non-Hispanic white women develop melanoma than white men (one in 160 women versus one in 243 men). Overall, one in 28 white men and one in 41 white women will develop melanoma in their lifetime.

What drugs cause skin cancer? ›

Specifically, increased skin cancer risk has been reported in association with BRAF inhibitors, sonic hedgehog–inhibiting agents, Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, and phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors.

What is the best cream for skin cancer? ›

Topical chemotherapy

5-fluorouracil (5-FU): The drug most often used in topical treatment of actinic keratoses, as well as some basal and squamous cell skin cancers, is 5-FU (with brand names such as Efudex, Carac, and Fluoroplex). It is typically applied to the skin once or twice a day for several weeks.

What is the safest sunscreen to use? ›

Mineral sunscreen may be your safest bet, though it's a hotly debated topic in the research community. The two ingredients often found in mineral sunscreen, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are marked "GRASE" (generally regarded as safe and effective) by the Food and Drug Administration.

What foods prevent skin cancer? ›

Vitamin C – Citrus fruits, strawberries, raspberries, broccoli, bell peppers, and leafy greens. Vitamin D and Omega-3 fatty acids – Fatty fish, like mackerel, sardines, herring, tuna, and salmon. Vitamin D – Milk, cheese, and vitamin D-fortified orange juice.

Why shouldn't you wear sunscreen every day? ›

If you were to use sunscreen every day, your body would continuously absorb any chemicals it contains, potentially much faster than your body can filter and excrete them. Even if you avoid the most harmful chemicals like benzene and oxybenzone, you may still be absorbing chemical preservatives, fragrances, and more.

Why can't cancer patients be in the sun? ›

Chemotherapy and radiation can increase your sensitivity to the sun, putting you at risk for burns. Even if you're not sunbathing, it's important to take precautions any time you'll be outside. “Chemo and the sun don't mix,” says Mary Brown, NP, who specializes in geriatric oncology at Wilmot.

What are the odds of getting skin cancer? ›

1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. More than 2 people die of skin cancer in the U.S. every hour. Having 5 or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma. When detected early, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99 percent.

Is any amount of sun good for you? ›

A small amount of sun exposure is healthy and pleasurable. But too much can be dangerous. Measures should be taken to prevent overexposure to sunlight. These preventive measures can reduce the risks of cancers, premature aging of the skin, the development of cataracts, and other harmful effects.

Why don t plants get cancer from the sun? ›

“Plants don't get cancer like animals do,” said Susan K. Pell, director of science at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, “and the tumors they do get do not metastasize because plant cells don't move around.” Rather, they are held in place by cell walls.

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