Ultraviolet rays – the “black hand” behind skin cancer!

Too much sun exposure can lead to malignant skin cancer

According to a report released by the World Health Organization, up to 60,000 people die each year from excessive sun exposure, mainly from malignant skin cancer.

The researchers found that 48,000 people die each year from malignant melanoma and 12,000 from other skin cancers. About 90 percent of these skin cancers are caused by ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Solar radiation also causes severe sunburn, skin aging, cataracts, pterygium (an abnormal mass of tissue that grows from the conjunctiva at the inner corner of the eye and causes vision problems when it grows onto the cornea), cold sores, and other ailments. The report is the first to document in detail the global effects of solar radiation.

"We all need sunlight in moderation, but too much can be dangerous and even deadly," the World Health Organization said in a statement. "Fortunately, diseases caused by UV rays, such as malignant melanoma, some other skin cancers and cataracts, are almost entirely preventable with simple protective measures."

Ultraviolet rays may cause cancer

Humans need ultraviolet radiation to activate vitamin D produced in the human body to prevent rickets, osteomalacia and osteoporosis. But ultraviolet rays may also cause some cancers and immune system diseases. The report recommends that people try to find shade, use sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15, and do not participate in organizations that tan the skin. Using sunscreen does not mean that you can prolong your exposure to the sun, but you can use it to protect your skin when you have to be exposed to the sun.

The report also notes that snow, sand and sea foam can reflect UV rays, and diluting ozone can filter out UV rays bit by bit. Humans cannot see or feel UV radiation. The time of day, latitude and cloud cover can all affect the amount of UV radiation reaching the ground.

"An individual's skin type also matters. People with lighter skin tan more easily than people with darker skin," WHO officials said in a statement. The statement also detailed the harmful effects of excessive sunlight radiation around the world, particularly the increase in cataracts in Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.