A member asked:

How can a sunburn cause skin cancer?

12 doctors weighed in across 3 answers

Ultraviolet: Some wavelengths produce a trademark mutation dna. The accumulation of such mutations in a line of cells causes precancer and the common skin cancers (basal cell, squamous cell, melanoma). Sunburn is the body's attempt to rid itself of damaged cells but this does not work perfectly. A good sunscreen will let you enjoy the sun and be much safer.

Answered 1/5/2019

5.7k views

Thank
Dr. Travis Kidner answered

Specializes in Surgical Oncology

Yes: Exposure to uv radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer.

Answered 2/13/2013

5.3k views

Thank

DNA damage: Sun burn does not cuase skin cancer. It is jsut a marker for skin damages caused by uv radiation from the sun. Uv radaition causes damage to the dna of skin cells, which is the underlying cause of skin cancer.

Answered 3/26/2014

4.8k views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

How long after having sunburns can you get skin cancer?

4 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

A member asked:

How long does it take for a sunburn to become skin cancer?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

After a sunburn, how quickly can skin cancer be determined?

4 doctors weighed in across 3 answers