Is there any study that shows that the sun may NOT be the culprit in skin cancer? The thing that makes me wonder is that I've seen skin cancers form in areas where the 'sun never shines'...something just doesn't sit right with the reasoning that it is only the sun that does it..

I don't know of any studies. It isn't only the sun that causes skin cancer, but the sun damages the skin and makes it more susceptible to mutations that can allow skin cancer to form. Ever since tanning became popular the incidence of melanoma has greatly increased. A few decades ago it was very rare among women because they avoided the sun. It was a sign of the upper class to be pale, an indication that they didn't have to labor in the fields. Now melanoma is becoming increasingly common in women, and in the majority of cases it is caused by too much sun exposure.

Even on cloudy days your skin is getting uva and uvb radiation. So it all depends on how much sun exposure your skin receives especially between 10am and 4 pm. Also I think it is better to cover up with a hat rather than rely on sunscreen. I think its best to stay out of the intense sun if you can avoid it.

Sun damage is cumulative and the worst damage occurs during childhood up to age 18. And now with the protective ozone layer severely damaged, we're getting more damaging effects from the UVA & UVB rays. That's why younger & younger people are getting diagnosed with melanoma than ever before.

actually, there is a certain percentage of skin cancer that is attributed to genes. Its the kind that runs in families. I have read up ALOT on melanoma since I am a redhead http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

My dad has had all three types of skin cancer: several basal cells, several squamous cells, and melanoma. Every single one of his cancers was on his head or neck in areas that had the highest sun exposure. While a predisposition to skin cancer may be hereditary, there are measures that can be taken to minimize the risk. Namely avoiding the sun and wearing sun screen. And, yes, there will always be exceptions to the rule. Not all skin cancer is caused by sun damage, but most is.

i am a melanoma surviver so far, and been told by my cancer doctor that lite skin people and those who worship the sun when they were young are subject to skin cancer. rob

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Rob, I'm glad you're here to tell it & warn others of the dangers of sunning.

I'm paying now for years of "basting & baking". http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif I'm spreading the word to everyone I can. A tan (unless you're born with it!)is definitely NOT worth it!

Any amount of tan is a health risk. I would not be so confident in sunscreens either. It best to wear a hat and stay in the shade if possible.