39
© Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2020
I. B. Franco et al. (eds.), Actioning the Global Goals for Local Impact, Science
for Sustainable Societies, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-32-9927-6_4
Chapter 4
SDG 3 Good Health and Well-Being
Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation on Human DNA:
A Point of View from Sustainable Healthcare
María Belén Federico
Abstract Skin cancer incidence is increasing. The WHO reports between 2 and 3
million non-melanoma skin cancers and 132,000 melanoma skin cancers globally
each year, while 1 in every 3 cancers diagnosed is a skin cancer. Several factors are
responsible for skin cancer incidence, and some of them are more easily treated than
others. Furthermore, as social and contextual factors within communities can often
hinder UV exposure reduction (e.g., the societal promotion of tanning), primary
prevention is not always sufficient. Early detection and treatments can be remarkably improved through a better understanding of the molecular events activated
after UV radiation reaches human cells. As such, this chapter aims to evidence how
basic research regarding the effects of UV radiation on the human genetic material
works to improve diagnostic tests and the treatment of skin cancer, thus improving
the patient’s quality of life and reducing fatalities.
Keywords SDG 3 health and well-being · Skin care · DNA damage · UV radiation · Community
4.1 Introduction
Skin cancer is challenging even in countries of high incidence. Policy efforts to
reduce the toll of skin cancer now compete with other major behavioral health issues
including obesity, harmful alcohol consumption, and smoking (Gordon and Rowell
2015). Furthermore, in the last decades, social factors have heavily contributed to the
increased rate of skin cancer cases. Lifestyle and fashion trends have driven the desire
for tan skin, especially in adolescents and adults. The pursuit of a “fashionable” tan
through deliberate sun exposure or the use of sunbeds has made significant
M. B. Federico (*)
Leloir Institute Foundation, Buenos Aires, Argentina
e-mail: belefederico@gmail.com
© Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2020
I. B. Franco et al. (eds.), Actioning the Global Goals for Local Impact, Science
for Sustainable Societies, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-32-9927-6_4
Chapter 4
SDG 3 Good Health and Well-Being
Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation on Human DNA:
A Point of View from Sustainable Healthcare
María Belén Federico
Abstract Skin cancer incidence is increasing. The WHO reports between 2 and 3
million non-melanoma skin cancers and 132,000 melanoma skin cancers globally
each year, while 1 in every 3 cancers diagnosed is a skin cancer. Several factors are
responsible for skin cancer incidence, and some of them are more easily treated than
others. Furthermore, as social and contextual factors within communities can often
hinder UV exposure reduction (e.g., the societal promotion of tanning), primary
prevention is not always sufficient. Early detection and treatments can be remarkably improved through a better understanding of the molecular events activated
after UV radiation reaches human cells. As such, this chapter aims to evidence how
basic research regarding the effects of UV radiation on the human genetic material
works to improve diagnostic tests and the treatment of skin cancer, thus improving
the patient’s quality of life and reducing fatalities.
Keywords SDG 3 health and well-being · Skin care · DNA damage · UV radiation · Community
4.1 Introduction
Skin cancer is challenging even in countries of high incidence. Policy efforts to
reduce the toll of skin cancer now compete with other major behavioral health issues
including obesity, harmful alcohol consumption, and smoking (Gordon and Rowell
2015). Furthermore, in the last decades, social factors have heavily contributed to the
increased rate of skin cancer cases. Lifestyle and fashion trends have driven the desire
for tan skin, especially in adolescents and adults. The pursuit of a “fashionable” tan
through deliberate sun exposure or the use of sunbeds has made significant
M. B. Federico (*)
Leloir Institute Foundation, Buenos Aires, Argentina
e-mail: belefederico@gmail.com