Skin cancer develops almost exclusively amongst white population groups, pigmented populations in Africa and Asia are better protected by melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour, and not as susceptible to develop skin cancer. Amongst white populations skin cancer is caused by UV-rays. UV-radiation induces damage of the genetic material (the DNA).  This damage leads to changes in the genetic material (mutations) in the genes that are decisive in the development of cancer. Since the white skin is largely unprotected against UV-rays damage of the genetic material will result within minutes or hours of exposure in sunburn.

Strong damage of the genetic material causes the programmed destruction of the affected cells (apoptosis). The cell death becomes apparent in the form of blisters, peeling of the skin and following renewal of the skin.  This renewal of the surface skin cells is a protective mechanism against the development of cancer. Pale skin cancers that start in the surface skin cells, epidermis (Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma) therefore only appears in late adult age, app. from the age of 50 to 60.

The pigment cells are protected against the programmed cell death, since it is their task to protect the cells with pigment against UV-radiation. The changes in the genetic material therefore already accumulate from early childhood. So that malignant melanoma can already develop in young people, app. from the age of 14.