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The Incidence Rates Of Skin Cancer

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The incidence rates of skin cancers are increasing worldwide. (Fabbrocini et al., 2010). Among these, melanoma is the most serious and dangerous form of skin cancer. (Callister et al., 2011). It develops from skin cells found in the deeper layers of skin called melanocytes. These produce melanin which protects the skin by absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation. (Anderson et al., 2009). Sun exposure gives off ultraviolet radiation (UV) which increases the risk of developing melanomas. (Callister et al., 2011). New Zealand has the highest overall melanoma incidence rate in the world. (Callister et al., 2011). Many different factors contribute to New Zealand’s high incidence of this cancer. Salmon et al. (2007) suggest that this could be due to environmental and geographical factors such as relatively high levels of UV radiation made worse by ozone depletion. It is important to understand the factors related to the high incidence rate of skin cancer in New Zealand because a greater understanding can lead to better prevention of skin cancers in the future.

Ozone depletion is one factor that could affect the rate of melanoma in New Zealand. The ozone layer is a layer of ozone gas that sits above the Earth and serves as a shield for ultraviolet b radiation emitted by the sun. (National Geographic, n.d.). Ozone depletion is described by National Geographic (n.d) as the deterioration of the ozone layer caused by pollution containing chemicals such as chlorine and bromine, mainly

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