Cancer Causes

Cancer Causes

One reason researchers give for rising rates of melanoma is depletion of the ozone layer in the Earth's atmosphere, which lets in more cancer-causing ultraviolet light. (The Environmental Protection Agency's Web site has an excellent Stratospheric Ozone section that explains what causes ozone depletion and what it means to you and your health.

But ozone depletion is only part of the story. The other cause of rising skin cancer rates is that, in spite of the shrinking ozone layer, Americans continue to spend more time in the sun and to go out with less protective covering. "Melanoma is probably the most clear-cut case of preventable cancer," Rigel says. "The problem is: can we get people to change their behavior?"

According to Rigel, the best way to prevent skin cancer is to follow the WAR rule: "Wear protective clothing. Avoid the midday sun. Regularly use sunscreen." At greatest risk for skin cancer are individuals who have moles and freckles, light skin color, a family or personal history of melanoma, or a history of severe sunburn early in life.