Influence of the Exposome on Skin Cancer

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Dermatology
• Oncology

Background:

• Skin cancer is the most common human cancer.
• Solar radiation is a known risk factor, but individual risk varies.
• Other environmental and lifestyle factors influencing skin cancer risk require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the multifaceted nature of skin cancer risk beyond solar radiation.
• To define the concept of the skin cancer exposome.
• To highlight the interplay between environmental exposures, genome, and microbiome in disease development.

Main Methods:

• Review of epidemiological studies on skin cancer risk factors.
• Analysis of environmental exposures including radiation, pesticides, air pollution, and toxins.
• Consideration of infectious agents and lifestyle factors.

Main Results:

• Beyond solar radiation, ionizing radiation, pesticides, air pollution, arsenic, and certain viruses (polyomavirus, human papillomavirus) are implicated in skin cancer risk.
• Lifestyle factors like stress, sleep, and exercise may also play a role.
• These diverse factors constitute the skin cancer exposome.

Conclusions:

• Individual skin cancer risk is determined by a complex interplay of genetic, microbial, and a wide range of environmental exposures.
• Understanding the exposome is crucial for a comprehensive approach to skin cancer prevention and management.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the impact of lifestyle factors on skin cancer development.