Skin Cancer, Climate Change, and Opportunities for Dermatologists

Purpose of Review: Skin cancer is the most common cancer globally, and the incidence and prevalence of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers has been increasing in recent decades, representing a rising number of disability-adjusted life years. This narrative review explores the interplay between climate change and the development of skin cancer, highlighting potential mechanistic links including increased UV radiation, tumorigenic effects of air pollutants such as phthalates and polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons stemming from anthropogenic practices, and sociobehavioral changes related to increasing ambient temperatures. Recent Findings: International efforts to mitigate ozone layer depletion, greenhouse gas emissions, and rising temperatures are summarized to explore the current state of global collaboration and success regarding climate protective policies. Timely strategies for dermatologists to engage in climate advocacy are compiled and discussed, including community- and practice-level actions, organizational involvement, and opportunities for improving personal and office sustainability. Summary: This review highlights the influence of climate change on cutaneous carcinogenesis given the observed annual increases in skin cancer incidence and the well-established link between UV radiation and skin cancer while presenting practical, easily adoptable strategies for dermatologists to reduce their carbon footprints and become climate advocacy leaders.

Duke Scholars

Author Christopher Robert Stamey Dermatology