Skin cancer incidence is increasing worldwide as fair-skinned populations seek
the sun without realizing the risks. The World Health Organization reports in
its latest bulletin on how Australia and Brazil are tackling this health issue.

Key facts about skin cancer

• The primary cause of skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in
  sunlight. Small amounts of ultraviolet radiation are beneficial to people and
  play an essential role in the production of vitamin D.


• Between 2 and 3 million non-melanoma skin cancers and more than 130 000
  malignant melanomas are diagnosed globally each year.


• Frequent sun exposure and sunburn in childhood can cause irreversible damage
  that can lead to skin cancer later in life.


• More than 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers occur in fair-skinned people, who
  tend to sunburn. Dark-skinned people have a lower risk of skin cancer but they
  are still susceptible to the damaging effects of UV radiation, especially on
  the eye and immune system.

More info

AplusA-online.de - Source: World Health Organization