Prevention of non-melanoma skin cancer by targeting ultraviolet-B-light signalling

The incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer is rising and primary prevention, including the use of sun screens, has proven inadequate in reducing this incidence. Chemoprevention strategies are therefore needed. Ultraviolet B light can initiate skin-tumour development through DNA damage and mutation in crucial target genes, and can also promote the clonal expansion of initiated cells to give rise to benign skin tumours. Targeting key molecules in the ultraviolet-light signal-transduction pathway is being explored for early chemoprevention of non-melanoma skin cancer.