Skin cancer (melanoma)
Most skin cancer is caused by ultraviolet (UV) light damaging the DNA in skin cells. The main source of UV light is sunlight.
Sunlight contains three types of UV light:
UVC is most dangerous to the skin but is filtered out by the Earth's atmosphere. UVA and UVB damage pale skin over time, making it more likely for skin cancers to develop. UVB is thought to be the main cause of skin canceroverall, but it isn't yet known whether UVA also plays a role in causing melanoma.
Artificial sources of light, such as sunlamps and tanning beds, also increase your risk of developing skin cancer.
Repeated Sunburn , either by the sun or artificial sources of light, increases the risk of melanoma in people of all ages.
You're at an increasedrisk of melanoma if you have lots of moles on your body, particularly if they're large(over 5mm) or unusually shaped.
For this reason, it's important to monitor your moles for changes and avoid exposing them to intense sun.
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You're also more likely to develop melanoma skin cancer if you have:
The risk of developing skin cancer also increases with age.
Cancer ResearchUK has more information about melanoma risks and causes .
Read about melanoma, a type of skin cancer that can spread to other organs in the body. The most common sign of melanoma is a new mole or a change to an existing mole.
Read about the signs and symptoms of melanoma. The first sign is often a new mole or a change in the appearance of an existing mole.
Read about the causes and risk factors of skin cancer and melanoma.
Find out how melanoma is diagnosed. The process usually begins with a visit to your GP who will examine your skin and decide if you need to see a specialist.
Read about the various treatment options for melanoma. Surgery is the main treatment, but it often depends on your individual circumstances.
Kate was diagnosed with malignant melanoma after a routine check on a mole.