Cutaneous ultraviolet exposure and its relationship to the development of skin cancer.

Skin cancer is becoming an increasingly important public health problem. Multiple studies have now demonstrated a relationship between ultraviolet exposure and increased risk of developing skin cancer. However, the specifics of that association are somewhat different for malignant melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. A better understanding of the mechanisms that allow cutaneous ultraviolet radiation to induce neoplasia will result in the development of better future sun-protection agents and strategies.