Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Two main factors have intensified interest in skin cancer. Firstly, there have been significant long term increases in the incidence of melanoma, and positive trends in the incidence of non melanoma skin cancer, in Western countries. Secondly, there has been increasing concern about the possible influence of stratospheric ozone depletion on global ecosystems generally, and human health in particular. Because stratospheric ozone is the main atmospheric filter of ultraviolet radiation [UVR], ozone depletion is expected to result in increased UV irradiance at the Earth's surface [IARC, 1992]. Skin cancer is one of the best understood health consequences of exposure to UVR, and so is a logical area for further research.