May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, which serves as a particularly relevant reminder in light of the upcoming summer months. In anticipation of warmer weather and sunnier days, consider the importance of practicing skin cancer prevention—both recreationally and in the workplace.
Skin cancer is a major public health problem that significantly affects quality of life. According to the CDC, nearly 5 million Americans are treated for skin cancer every year, which costs an estimated $8.1 billion. Treatment, however, is not the only cost of skin cancer: every year, over $100 million in productivity is lost from work absences or restricted activity as a result.
Although skin cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed forms of cancer in the U.S., it is also one of the most preventable, and applying sunscreen is just one aspect of thorough sun protection.
Who’s at risk?
Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells that often develops on areas of the body exposed to the sun. Although those with fair skin who sunburn easily have the greatest risk of developing skin cancer, people of any age or ethnicity may be susceptible to sun damage. Those with a family history of skin cancer or an abundance of irregularly-shaped moles are also at a heightened risk.
Research has indicated that outdoor workers face a higher risk of developing certain types of skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma), particularly in UV-intense areas. One example is the presence of bright, reflective materials such as metal or concrete, which dramatically increase accumulative sun exposure. In addition, some occupations that expose workers to high doses of UV radiation, ionizing radiation, or certain chemicals involves in manufacturing processes may pose a much stronger risk of skin cancer that that of the rest of the population. However, in a busy work site, sun protection is often overlooked due to other occupational risks that are deemed more consequential and immediate.
Sun protection in the workplace
Outdoor workers, construction workers in particular, are at high risk for developing skin cancer due to increased sun exposure. Fortunately, a growing body of research has demonstrated that skin cancer prevention interventions in the workplace—specifically targeted towards outdoor workers—usually results in better sun protection behavior as well as decreased sunburns. According to the Community Preventative Services Task Force, an effective intervention is comprised of several different approaches:
- Educational: Educate your employees on the importance of self-examination, sun protection, and the risks of exposure to UV radiation through instruction or accessible materials, and encourage them to take advantage of cancer screening opportunities. In addition, activities that are designed to influence knowledge and awareness may prove even more effective in reinforcing behavior if modeled by workplace safety leaders.
- Environmental: Provide sunscreen with an appropriate SPF on-site, whether by distributing individual-use packets or installing wall dispensers in common areas, and increase the amount of shade available on site with shelters, tents, and cooling stations. One example of this is the Laborer’s Health & Safety Fund of North America’s “Sun Sense” program, which provides outdoor laborers with cloth flaps that can be affixed to a hardhat to protect the back of the neck from sun damage.
- Policy: If practical, implement work policy to support preventative practices, such as requiring sun-protective clothing or eyewear in certain locations, or creating schedules that minimize sun exposure based on the UV index. Because OSHA already requires employers of outdoor workers to provide training on heat illness prevention, current policy could be easily updated to include skin cancer prevention and sun safety.
For some, driving company trucks or vehicles takes up most, if not all, of the work day. Spending a considerable amount of time driving carries its own set of risks, including skin cancer: multiple studies have shown that U.S. patients often have more sun damage on the left side of their faces and bodies, which is likely due to increased exposure to UVA radiation through the car windows. One possible way to mitigate this workplace risk is through an environmental approach: protect employees from excessive sun exposure by applying UV-protective film to vehicle windows, which appears clear (and therefore does not violate state-specific window tinting regulations) and can block up to 99% of UV rays.
Prevention is for everyone
Working outdoors is just one of the many activities that carry a risk of excessive sun exposure. Regardless of occupation, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends taking the following measures to protect yourself from skin cancer:
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day
- For extensive outdoor activities, use a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and reapply every two hour
- Sunlight is most intense between 10 AM and 4 PM; try to seek the shade if you are outdoors during this time
- Avoid burning, tanning, or UV tanning beds
- Examine your skin on a monthly basis to identify any new or changing lesions that may be cancerous
- Schedule a skin exam with your physician or dermatologist once a year
- Clothing (depending on how closely woven the fabric is) absorbs UV rays. Make sure to adequately cover the arms, torso, and legs when outdoors
- Protect your eyes by choosing sunglasses (which should block 99% or more of UVA and UVB rays) or wearing a hat with a brim of at least 3 inches
The earlier skin cancer is detected, the more chance there is to successfully treat it. The American Academy of Dermatology offers free skin cancer screenings across the country—find the closest location to you or your workplace by state here.
