More than 80% of skin cancer cases worldwide are attributed to ultraviolet radiation.

 More than 80% of melanoma, a growing but largely preventable skin cancer, is attributable to exposure to ultraviolet radiation, according to a study by researchers at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) published Tuesday.

Of the approximately 332,000 melanoma cases worldwide in 2022, approximately 267,000 were caused by ultraviolet radiation, or 83% of cases, according to the study published in the International Journal of Cancer (IJC). Melanoma caused 58,700 deaths in 2022.

The IARC noted in a statement that the proportion of cases linked to ultraviolet radiation was higher in men (86%) than in women (79%).

The World Health Organization's specialized agency noted that "the burden of cutaneous melanoma varies considerably from one region to another in the world, due to varying levels of ultraviolet radiation exposure and the higher risk in fair-skinned populations."

The regions with the highest rates of this UV-induced cancer (over 95%) are Australia, New Zealand, Northern Europe, and North America.

While melanoma was once considered a rare disease, increased exposure to UV radiation in recent decades due to tanning, travel to areas with high radiation, and other factors have caused a sharp rise in cases of the disease, particularly among fair-skinned populations, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Although incidence rates are declining among younger generations in many countries with historically high rates, population growth and aging are expected to lead to a significant net increase in the number of melanoma cases diagnosed annually.

The World Health Organization reports recent projections of more than 510,000 new cases and 96,000 deaths by 2040, representing increases of 50% and 68%, respectively.

However, lead study author Oliver Langselius emphasized in a statement that "most cases of cutaneous melanoma are preventable," emphasizing in particular the "urgent need to intensify sun protection efforts," especially in high-risk areas and among older populations.

Melanoma is a dangerous skin tumor that resembles a mole but often has distinct features: asymmetry, irregular borders, multiple colors, and enlargement or change in shape.

Although the number of new cases per year has been steadily increasing over the past two to three decades, screening tests have improved and new treatments have emerged.