Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

What type of skin cancer is caused by over-exposure to ultraviolet radiation?

1. Basal cell carcinoma

2. Squamous cell carcinoma

3. Melanoma

4. Merkel cell carcinoma

The correct answer is: Melanoma

The question asks about the type of skin cancer that is caused by over-exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Melanoma is a highly aggressive form of skin cancer that usually originates in the melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing the pigment melanin, which gives skin its color. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, particularly from the sun or tanning beds, is a well-established risk factor for developing melanoma. Prolonged or intense exposure to UV radiation can damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to mutations that may result in malignant changes over time. While basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, which are also types of skin cancer, are linked to UV exposure, they are more specifically associated with cumulative sun exposure and are generally less aggressive. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, but it typically does not spread to other parts of the body, making it less life-threatening compared to melanoma. Squamous cell carcinoma can be more aggressive than basal cell carcinoma but still has a lower risk of metastasis compared to melanoma. Merkel cell carcinoma, though also related to UV exposure, is a rarer and more aggressive form of skin cancer that arises from Merkel cells located in the skin. It is not as directly associated with over