Abstract
UV radiation is the major risk factor for the development of the main types of skin cancer, albeit with some differences. Non-melanoma skin cancers, particularly squamous cell carcinoma, are associated with cumulative UV dose, whereas malignant melanoma (MM) appears to be related to intermittent sun exposure. This seems to be confirmed by experimentally UV-induced MM, suggesting that sunburn in infancy may be an important risk factor for MM. Biomolecular studies have demonstrated that UV radiation promotes the formation of photoproducts, able to provoke UV-induced mutations, which are found in high frequency in squamous cell carcinomas. The role of UV radiation as a risk factor for MM should also be considered in relation to genetic predisposition. In subjects belonging to families with a high incidence of MM, genetic alterations, such as variants of the MC1R and CDKN2A gene mutations, associated with red hair and freckles, have been identified. UV radiation can affect the immune system, favoring the development of UV-induced skin cancer. The UV-induced immune suppression occurs by mechanisms similar to those involved in delayed skin hypersensitivity.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The author has no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.