The relationship between ultraviolet radiation and epithelial cancer

Carcinomas are the most common of human malignancies and occur in epithelial cells both in the skin and throughout the body. The ultraviolet wavelengths in solar radiation are accepted as the predominant cause of the DNA damage which results in skin cancer. These same ultraviolet wavelengths are emitted at all inner epithelial areas during normal bodily functions. It is suggested that DNA damage to epithelial cells caused by the absorption of ultraviolet radiation may be a basic cause of all carcinomas.