Climatic Exposure Risk Associated With Skin Cancer

Abstract

Skin cancer is a public health concern due to high incidence and prevalence rates. In contrast to many other types of cancer, melanoma incidence rates have increased significantly since the 1960s. As the most common form of cancer, melanoma is a significant yet highly preventable health concern. The purpose of the present study was to explore ssociations between melanoma incidence rates and climate change. A review of data available from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations (NOAA) revealed significant changes in melanoma incidences rates and essential meteorological variables. Spending more time outdoors primary to increases in average temperatures may result in greater risk of DNA mutations in skin cells especially as ultraviolet indices have increased alongside ozone diminution. Public health interventions should situate melanoma risk within the context of climate change by encouraging both sun protective and pro-environmental behavior.