Final answer:
UV rays from sun exposure can cause sunburns, skin damage, and increase the risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma. Protection such as sunscreen with high SPF and clothing is important to prevent damage and tumors caused by DNA alteration. Monitoring moles and family history are also key in early detection and prevention.
Step-by-step explanation:
Skin Damage and Cancer Risks from Sun Exposure
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can lead to various types of skin damage, including sunburns, prematurely aging skin, and an increased risk of skin cancer. The skin is vulnerable to injuries such as burns, wounds, scars, and calluses that can be caused by heat, friction, or sharp objects. Sunburns specifically occur when the skin's outer layer is damaged by UV light from the sun or tanning lamps which may lead to a tan, but tanning is a sign of skin damage not health.
Moles, which are larger masses of melanocytes, and other skin irregularities should be watched for changes that could indicate the possibility of cancer. Children and teens who have experienced sunburns have a heightened risk of developing skin cancer later in life. Prolonged UV radiation exposure is the principal cause of skin cancer, responsible for approximately 90 percent of cases.
To minimize the risk of skin damage and skin cancer, it is imperative to protect the skin by wearing sunscreen with high SPF, protective clothing, and hats when exposed to the sun. This is especially important because of the damaging effects of UV radiation on DNA, which can result in uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation. Awareness of other risk factors such as light-colored skin, a family history of skin cancer, and the presence of numerous moles is also crucial for prevention and early detection.