Skin cancer is the most numerous of all cancers, according to the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venerology (AEDV). Now that we are in the middle of summer and solar radiation has a shorter path through the atmosphere to reach the Earth (which means it is more intense), it is time to follow certain recommendations. Thus, it is important to have controlled sun exposure, always with photoprotection, and to try to avoid sunbathing in the middle of the day.
What are the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays and when will they cause skin cancer?
The sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause DNA damage that leads to cell mutations. The specialists in Medical Oncology at the IOB Institute of Oncology explain that cancer, in particular, is an accumulation of mutations in the cell that is capable of dividing itself, escaping the body’s control mechanisms.
In addition to the direct physical effects on the skin, such as dehydration or burns, chronic sun exposure ends up causing changes and mutations that can be produced by other agents, not only by solar radiation, although in the skin it is the most important.
Thus, ultraviolet (UV) radiation will produce a progressive deterioration in cellular DNA. In the long term, DNA absorbs UVB rays and causes alterations in the genome. UVA rays are also absorbed, transforming them into free radials. This, as stated by the AEDV, alters the genetic material and the skin’s defense systems.
It should be noted that our organism has a correction system (protein “p53”) with an immunological or defensive function against the alterations produced by exposure to ultraviolet radiation. However, there comes a point when excessive damage produces premalignant and malignant lesions (carcinoma and melanoma).
Sun protection is necessary all year round, especially for fair skin.
It is important to protect the skin from the sun all year round, as solar radiation is still there even when there are clouds. Especially exposed areas should be protected because clothing acts as a barrier effect.
Solar radiation is especially harmful to very fair-skinned people, redheads and people with freckles, as they are at greater risk of melanoma. These people have a lighter skin phototype, which is determined by melanin, which protects and prevents UV rays from reaching the deeper layers of the skin. People with light skin and eyes, and redheads, have less melanin, so UV protection is also lower than in a black person. This means that their ability to block the harmful parts of the sun’s radiation is also lower.
Sun exposure is especially dangerous in childhood and adolescence
Solar radiation is especially harmful in children and adolescents, as sunbathing since childhood builds up the possibility of DNA alterations, which can lead to cancer.
In children and young people the cells are more active, so the probability of changes is greater. When a cell divides, it is a critical process where DNA can be damaged more easily, while cell renewal in a 70-80 year old person is lower.
Although any damage or burn on the skin will mean extreme sun damage, sunburns before the age of 15 are an important risk factor for melanoma. Thus, when a person is young there is a higher percentage of such damage accumulating.
Melanoma is not only in the skin
Melanoma is a disease of the “melanocytes”, which are not only in the skin but also in the eyes. They are responsible for creating an inner layer for proper vision. Sun damage can also occur in the form of “uveal melanoma”, so the eyes must also be protected, especially in the middle of the day. Just as good skin protection should be used, so should good sunglasses that block the sun’s harmful rays.