Dictionary of Cancer Terms
View in Spanish: Radiación UVA
UVA radiation (… RAY-dee-AY-shun)
A type of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV rays are invisible rays that are part of the energy that comes from the sun. UVA radiation also comes from sun lamps and tanning beds. Scientists think that UVA radiation may cause skin damage that can lead to skin cancer and premature aging. For this reason, skin specialists recommend that people use sunscreens that reflect, absorb, or scatter ultraviolet radiation. Also called ultraviolet A radiation.
Source: National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms, available at www.cancer.gov/dictionary.