The incidence of skin cancer has increased over the past 30 years. 

     In recent decades, cutaneous melanoma has shown a sharp increase in incidence and has evolved from a relatively rare oncological disease to one of increasing medical importance. 

      Although there are many famous risk factors for skin cancer, it is most often caused by UV radiation from the sun. Excessive sun exposure increases the risk of all forms of skin cancer. 

     The two main types of UV radiation you are exposed to reach different depths of the skin. After long-term exposure to the sun, damage to the DNA of cells and tissue damage to the skin begins.

At best, it causes premature aging and the appearance of wrinkles. At worst, this damage leads to permanent damage to DNA, skin and, eventually, skin cancer.  

     Limited and moderate sun exposure is good for us. UVB rays stimulate the production of vitamin D3, which is important for good health, growth and bone strength. Because of this, a small dose of sun every day is necessary and recommended. 

      There are 4 main types of skin carcinomas. These are: 

• Basal cell carcinoma- It is the most common form of skin cancer but also the least dangerous. It usually appears on areas exposed to chronic solar radiation - on the neck, head, face and on exposed parts of the body. It grows slowly and rarely metastasizes, but can cause local destruction on the skin, in case of neglecting the problem and not treating it. Basal cell carcinoma is not a typical cancer because it grows very slowly and rarely recurs. The treatment is surgical and rarely other type of therapy such as immunotherapy, radiotherapy or chemotherapy is required. 

• Actinic keratosis – Precancers (pre-cancerous formations) in 10-15% of cases can develop into squamous cell carcinoma, so they must be treated. Timely treatment prevents the progression of the disease. 
• Squamous cell carcinoma -This is the second most common form of skin cancer that occurs in those areas that have been most exposed to the sun, such as the face and scalp. As with basal cell carcinoma, the prognosis is good after surgical treatment.  
• Melanoma- This is the rarest type of skin cancer, but also the most dangerous. It can strike people of any age and, unlike other types of cancer, occurs most often in older people.