What causes skin cancer?

Answer 1

Excessive exposure to UV radiation is the common cause. I say "common cause" because many types of radiation can cause many type of cancers,mutations and abnormalities. The radiation causes the cells in your body to mutate and divide uncontrollably and cancers stems from there.

Answer 2

UV light messes up the DNA, and the skin cells go bad.

I just did a podcast on this topic. Listen here:
http://www.medicalminutepodcast.com/?p=51
Click PlayNow and listen right on your computer.

Best to prevent it by staying out of the sun.

Also, check out this site:
http://www.skincancer.org/
It has photos of what skin cancer looks like. It can look like a tiny sore that won't heal, and be growing deep into your face. When in doubt, get a biopsy done.

Answer 3

Generally it causes DNA Mutations in the epithelial cells. There are two general types carcinoma and melanoma (melanoma being the most severe form). UV light causes disruptions in DNA. It is most sensitive to a wavelength of 260nm which happens to be the wavelength of UV light. The most common are thimine dimers (a specific base in DNA). This leads to errors in replication and then can lead to cancer.

Answer 4

The sun does.

People have different levels of the skin pigment melanin. Those with low levels (such as very fair skinned light eyed people) are at greater risk for damage from the sun. Those at greater risk for damage have greater risk of skin cancer.

hope that helps.

Answer 5

See Thymine Dimers.

Answer 6

Ultraviolet light is the most common cause.

Answer 7

the rays of the sun causes free radical cells in the body to mutate

Answer 8

uv rays, engine oil, hydraulic fluid,

Answer 9

sun / tanning rays / hereditary also / i think