Melanoma Risk in the Digital Age Examining the Influence of Smartphone Use

Jack Walker^*
*Correspondence: Jack Walker, Department of Dermatology, University of Cambridge, UK, Email:

Introduction

In the digital age, smartphones have become integral to everyday life, offering convenience, connectivity, and entertainment at our fingertips. However, with the proliferation of smartphone use, new concerns have arisen regarding their potential effects on health, including an emerging focus on their role in skin cancer risk, particularly melanoma. Melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer, is primarily caused by excessive exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation (UV), which damages the DNA in skin cells. While traditional sources of UV exposure such as direct sunlight and tanning beds have been well-documented, less attention has been paid. [1] One key factor in understanding the connection between smartphone use and melanoma risk lies in the increasing prevalence of smartphone addiction, which is leading to more time spent outdoors with smartphones in hand. While smartphones themselves do not emit UV radiation, their ubiquitous presence encourages prolonged outdoor activities, which may lead to greater sun exposure. People often use their smartphones. [2]

Description

Additionally, smartphones have become platforms for various lifestyle and beauty-related apps, which often promote unrealistic beauty standards and behaviors that can exacerbate the risk of melanoma. For example, many individuals turn to skin tone enhancement filters, self-tanning apps, or online advice on achieving the "perfect tan," which may encourage practices like excessive sun exposure or the use of tanning beds. The use of such apps, particularly by younger generations, can normalize unhealthy tanning behaviors, which are strongly linked to an increased risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. Moreover, the pervasive nature of these apps and the constant exposure to "idealized" images of tanned or sun-kissed skin may lead individuals to underestimate the dangers of UV radiation and neglect preventive measures, such as wearing sunscreen or seeking shade.

Conclusion

In the digital age, while smartphones offer numerous benefits, they also present new challenges in the fight against melanoma. From encouraging prolonged outdoor exposure to promoting harmful tanning behaviors, smartphone use can indirectly contribute to increased melanoma risk. However, when used wisely, smartphones can also be powerful tools for skin cancer prevention, early detection, and education.

References

1. Rajpert-De Meyts, Ewa, Katherine A. McGlynn and Keisei Okamoto, et al. "Testicular germ cell tumours." Lancet 387 (2016): 1762-1774.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

2. Yakirevich, Evgeny, Oleg Lefel, Yanina Sova and Avi Stein, et al. "Activated status of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes and apoptosis in testicular seminoma." J Pathol 196 (2002): 67-75.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at