Question

Which of the following statements regarding skin cancer is true? a. Chemical carcinogens contribute more to the development of skin cancer than UV radiation. b. Sun exposure during childhood does not impact the development of skin cancer later in life. c. Tanning booths enable safer tanning because the UV exposure from lamps is not likely to contribute to the development of skin cancer. d. Skin cancer can develop from cumulative sun exposure, even in the absence of sunburns.

Short answer

Statement D is true: 'Skin cancer can develop from cumulative sun exposure, even in the absence of sunburns.'

Step-by-step solution

Identify Key Concepts

Focus on the main factors contributing to skin cancer: chemical carcinogens, UV radiation, childhood sun exposure, tanning booths, and cumulative sun exposure.

Analyze Each Statement

Read each statement carefully and compare it with known facts about skin cancer. Use your understanding of how skin cancer develops.

Evaluate Statement A

Statement A: 'Chemical carcinogens contribute more to the development of skin cancer than UV radiation.' This is incorrect because UV radiation is a significant contributing factor to skin cancer.

Evaluate Statement B

Statement B: 'Sun exposure during childhood does not impact the development of skin cancer later in life.' This is incorrect because childhood sun exposure is a critical risk factor for developing skin cancer later in life.

Evaluate Statement C

Statement C: 'Tanning booths enable safer tanning because the UV exposure from lamps is not likely to contribute to the development of skin cancer.' This is incorrect as UV exposure from tanning booths can contribute to the development of skin cancer.

Evaluate Statement D

Statement D: 'Skin cancer can develop from cumulative sun exposure, even in the absence of sunburns.' This is true as cumulative exposure to UV radiation over time can lead to skin cancer even if there are no instances of sunburn.

Key concepts

UV radiation

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation comes from the sun and is a major risk factor for skin cancer. There are three types of UV radiation: UVA, UVB, and UVC, but only UVA and UVB reach the Earth's surface.

UVB radiation is primarily responsible for sunburn, while UVA penetrates deeper into the skin, causing long-term damage such as aging and increasing the risk of skin cancer. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can damage the DNA in your skin cells, leading to mutations that may cause skin cancer.

To protect yourself, use broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and avoid peak sun hours.

chemical carcinogens

Chemical carcinogens are substances that can lead to cancer by causing DNA damage. While they do play a role in skin cancer, they are not as significant as UV radiation. Examples of chemical carcinogens that may affect the skin include certain industrial chemicals, tobacco byproducts, and arsenic.

It's important to minimize exposure to these chemicals by following safety guidelines, using protective equipment, and avoiding known carcinogens when possible.

Note that chemical carcinogens can also contribute to other types of cancer, affecting organs like the lungs and liver.

childhood sun exposure

Sun exposure during childhood is a critical factor in the development of skin cancer later in life. The skin's cells are more vulnerable to UV radiation damage while they are still developing.

Childhood sunburns significantly increase the risk of melanoma and other skin cancers in adulthood. Therefore, it's crucial to protect children from excessive sun exposure.

Ensure that children wear sunscreen, seek shade, and wear protective clothing including hats and sunglasses.

tanning booths

Tanning booths or sunbeds emit UV radiation, which can be even more intense than natural sunlight. Many people mistakenly believe that using tanning booths is a safe way to tan, but this is not true.

The concentrated UV exposure from tanning booths can significantly increase the risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Avoiding tanning booths and opting for safer alternatives like self-tanning lotions is advisable.

It is important to understand that there is no such thing as a 'safe' tan from UV exposure.

cumulative sun exposure

Cumulative sun exposure refers to the total amount of UV radiation your skin is exposed to over a lifetime. Even if individual exposures do not result in sunburn, the accumulated effects can still damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer.

Regularly protecting your skin, even on cloudy days or during short outdoor activities, can help minimize this cumulative damage.

Use sunscreen daily, wear protective clothing, and seek shade to mitigate the risks associated with cumulative sun exposure.