Which factor is a risk factor for skin cancer development?

Which factor is a risk factor for skin cancer development?

• A. Regular use of sunscreen
• B. UV exposure
• C. Moderate sun exposure
• D. Daily use of protective clothing

Answer: (B)

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun drives skin cancer risk by damaging DNA in skin cells. This damage can create mutations that accumulate over time, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. UVA and UVB both contribute: UVB causes direct DNA lesions, while UVA generates reactive oxygen species that indirectly harm DNA. The greater and more unprotected the UV exposure, the higher the chance these mutations accumulate. Protective measures that reduce UV exposure—like applying broad-spectrum sunscreen and wearing protective clothing—lower risk by limiting the amount of UV radiation reaching the skin. Moderate sun exposure is still UV exposure and carries some risk, whereas regular sunscreen use and daily protective clothing are protective, not risk factors. Therefore, the factor that increases risk is UV exposure.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun drives skin cancer risk by damaging DNA in skin cells. This damage can create mutations that accumulate over time, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. UVA and UVB both contribute: UVB causes direct DNA lesions, while UVA generates reactive oxygen species that indirectly harm DNA. The greater and more unprotected the UV exposure, the higher the chance these mutations accumulate. Protective measures that reduce UV exposure—like applying broad-spectrum sunscreen and wearing protective clothing—lower risk by limiting the amount of UV radiation reaching the skin. Moderate sun exposure is still UV exposure and carries some risk, whereas regular sunscreen use and daily protective clothing are protective, not risk factors. Therefore, the factor that increases risk is UV exposure.