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Melanoma Causes of Melanoma
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the most recognized cause of all types of skin cancer, including melanoma. Tanning lamps are another source of UV radiation. The invisible effects of UV radiation accumulate over a lifetime. This year's and next year's tans add to the effects. The effects include aging of the skin or, worse, cancer. To a degree, the body can protect itself against UV rays. The means of protection is melanin, a dark pigment that screens out some UV radiation. (Melanin is also the pigment responsible for skin, eye, and hair color.) Exposure of the skin to the sun results in increased production of melanin by cells known as melanocytes. A tan is the result of melanin production. Although dark-skinned people (who have more melanin than light-skinned people) have lower skin cancer rates than the fair skinned, anyone can develop skin cancer.
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