Squamous cell carcinoma
Mostskin canceris caused by ultraviolet (UV) light damaging the DNA in skin cells. The main source ofUV light is sunlight.
Sunlight containsthree types of UV light:
UVC is filtered out by the Earth's atmosphere. UVA and UVB damage skin over time, making it more likely for skin cancers to develop. UVB is thought to be the main cause of non-melanoma skin cancer.
Artificial sources of UV light, such as sun lamps and tanning beds, also increase your risk of developing skin cancer.
Repeated Sunburn , either by the sun or artificial sources of light, will make your skin more vulnerable to non-melanoma skin cancer.
In most cases, non-melanoma skin cancer doesn't run in families. However, research has shown that some families have a higher than average number of members who develop the condition.
For example, if you have a parent who's had squamous cell carcinoma , your risk of also getting it is two to three times higher than average.
Having a family history of melanoma also increases your risk of getting basal cell carcinoma .
Certain factors are thought to increase your chances of developing all types of skin cancer.
These include:
The Cancer Research UK website has more information about skin cancer risks and causes .
Read about non-melanoma skin cancer, one of the most common cancers in the world. Find out about the different types of non-melanoma, what causes it, and how it's treated.
Read about the causes of non-melanoma skin cancer. It's mainly caused by ultraviolet (UV) light, which damages the DNA in skin cells, making them more susceptible to skin cancer.
Find out how non-melanoma skin cancer is diagnosed. It usually begins with a visit to your GP, who will examine your skin and decide whether you need further assessment.
Find out how non-melanoma skin cancer is treated. Surgery is the main treatment, although it may depend on your individual circumstances.