In time, the sun weakens the elasticity of the skin and can cause dark patches and scaly gray growths called keratoses, which are often pre-cancerous. The most severe result of exposure to the sun s rays is skin cancer. Nearly all cases of skin cancer are considered to be sun-related. Accumulated DNA damage can result in the formation of cancerous cells. Sun exposure is the primary cause of superficial types of skin cancer, which are highly curable.
Skin cancer is now the leading type of cancer.
The American Cancer Society says that you can t tell for sure. Only your health practitioner can. Check moles, spots, and birthmarks monthly. Getting too much sun causes other skin problems, such as red, scaly patches. These can also become cancer.