Over 80% of Melanoma Worldwide Is UV-Driven, 2025 IARC Study Finds
If most melanoma is UV-driven, consistent sun protection is the single most effective lever - and this 2025 WHO-affiliated study is the strongest case yet.
A May 2025 IARC study in the International Journal of Cancer estimated that about 267,000 of 332,000 cutaneous melanoma cases globally in 2022 - more than 80% - were attributable to UV radiation.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (the WHO's cancer agency) frames a large share of melanoma as preventable, since UV exposure is a modifiable risk factor. Researchers emphasize that reducing UV exposure through sun-protective behaviors could substantially lower the global melanoma burden.
Questions we get a lot
What share of melanoma is caused by UV radiation?
A May 2025 IARC study estimated that more than 80% of cutaneous melanoma cases globally in 2022 were attributable to UV radiation - about 267,000 of 332,000 cases. UV is the dominant modifiable driver of melanoma. This is why reducing UV exposure is central to prevention.
Does the IARC study mean most melanoma is preventable?
Largely, yes - because UV exposure is a modifiable risk factor, the study implies a large share of melanoma could be prevented by reducing UV exposure. That includes sunscreen, protective clothing, shade, and avoiding tanning beds. No measure is perfect, but the leading cause is one people can act on.
How does sunscreen fit into reducing melanoma risk?
Sunscreen is one part of reducing UV exposure, the factor the IARC study links to over 80% of melanoma cases. Used with clothing, shade, and avoiding peak sun, broad-spectrum sunscreen helps lower cumulative UV damage. It works best as a consistent daily habit alongside other protective behaviors.
r/Melanoma: 'I read that 80% of melanoma is from UV - does that mean sunscreen really can lower my risk that much?'