“One of the biggest drivers is excessive ultraviolet (UV) exposure — from both the sun and artificial sources like tanning beds. Longer life expectancy means more people live long enough for earlier sun damage to develop into cancer. Outdoor occupations without sun protection, changing lifestyle patterns, and even ozone depletion contribute to the trend,” says Dr Saadvik.
Skin cancers fall broadly into two categories:
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Melanoma — aggressive, with rapid spread.
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Non-melanoma cancers (SCC and BCC) — generally less aggressive and more treatable.
Dr Nikhil Suresh explains that prolonged, unprotected UV exposure is the leading cause. People with fair skin, freckles, or a tendency to burn are more vulnerable, as are those with a family history of skin cancer, numerous or atypical moles (dysplastic nevi), a history of severe childhood sunburns, or weakened immunity due to conditions such as HIV/AIDS or organ transplants.
