Cancer of the skin (including melanoma and basal and squamous cell skin cancers) is by far the most common of all types of cancer. According to one estimate, about 3.5 million basal and squamous cell skin cancers are diagnosed each year (occurring in about 2.2 million Americans, as some people have more than one). About eight out of 10 of these are basal cell cancers. Squamous cell cancers occur less often. However, according to the American Cancer Society, though melanoma is the least common of all diagnosed skin cancers at approximately 4%, it accounts for about 77% of cancer deaths.
We’vediscussed how UVB rays could harm skin via direct DNA damage. The subsequent chromosomal alterations and mutations can initiate skin cancers, particularly the squamous or basal-cell types associated with UVB. Even if we use a non-nano zinc oxide sunscreen daily to block UV rays, sunscreen alone just does not provide complete protection.
