Picture of Skin Cancer

Skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma occur due to gene mutations in skin cells. Excess sun exposure is the primary cause of skin cancer. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, tanning booths, sunlamps, and X-rays can damage skin and increase the risk of mutations that lead to skin cancer. Anyone can get skin cancer, but fair-skinned individuals with light-colored eyes and hair are at increased risk. People who work outdoors are also more likely to get skin cancer. Severe, blistering sunburns greatly increase the risk of skin cancer, including potentially deadly melanoma. Getting just one severe, blistering sunburn in childhood doubles the risk of developing melanoma later in life.