Working Outdoors & Skin Cancer

Globally, nearly one in three deaths from nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is related to exposure associated with working outdoors, according to research conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labor Organization (ILO).

Of these deaths, 65 percent of people were male, mostly older men whose skin had been damaged by years of chronic UV exposure while on the job.

Exposure to UV radiation while at work raises a person’s risk of nonmelanoma skin cancers by 60 percent.

In the U.S., about 50 percent of outdoor workers reported getting sunburn, according to a survey by the American Academy of Dermatology. UV exposure that leads to sunburn has proven to play a strong role in developing melanoma.

People employed in professions requiring them to be outside for part or most of the day are exposed to higher levels of UV radiation, which increases skin cancer risk.

This includes construction workers, farmers, agricultural laborers, boat crews, forestry workers, fishermen, groundskeepers, postal workers, ski instructors, highway maintenance workers, outdoor athletes and their coaches, firefighters, roofers, lifeguards, police officers, park rangers, emergency medical teams and members of the military, among other professions.

In the United States, nearly one third (33 percent) of all workers, or nearly 45 million people, are exposed to the outdoors as a regular part of their job, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Globally, 1.6 billion people are exposed to UV radiation while working outdoors — roughly 28 percent of all people of working age.

Damage from UV exposure is cumulative and increases your skin cancer risk over time. The degree of damage depends on the intensity of UV rays and the length of time your skin has been exposed without protection.

The longer a person works outdoors, the higher their cumulative exposure to UV rays, increasing their lifetime risk of developing skin cancer.

Outdoor workers in their 40s, 50s and 60s, with decades of sun exposure, are particularly vulnerable to developing skin cancer, especially if they haven’t protected their skin from the sun while at work.

It’s crucial for outdoor workers to adopt daily sun protection strategies and to prioritize regular skin checks to detect skin cancer early, when it is easiest to treat and cure.

Sun Protection

• Seek shade: Seek shade whenever possible, especially during peak sun hours.
• Cover up with clothing: Wear a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses. When possible, choose clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 50 or higher.
• Use sunscreen: For extended time outdoors, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing, including your hands. Reapply every two hours or after sweating or swimming.
• Know the UV index:  The UV index measures the intensity of UV radiation at a specific location. If you work where the sun is strong year-round, your exposure level and risk increases.

Protect yourself no matter the weather: Even when it’s cloudy, foggy or cool, UV rays can still damage your skin, so protect yourself every day.

Early Detection

If you’re an outdoor worker, it’s important to know the warning signs of skin cancer and get checked by a dermatologist.

• Examine your skin: Be sure to check your skin monthly for anything new, changing or unusual. If you see something, don’t wait. Make an appointment with a dermatologist as soon as possible.
• See a dermatologist at least once a year for a professional skin cancer screening.