Outdoor work and skin cancer incidence: a registry-based study in Bavaria

Hábitos relacionados à exposição solar dos professores de educação física que trabalham com atividades aquáticas

FUNDAMENTOS: A radiação ultravioleta tem sido considerada um dos mais importantes fatores de risco para o câncer de pele melanoma ou não melanoma. Dessa forma, tem sido aceito que os profissionais que trabalham em atividades ao ar livre apresentam maior risco de desenvolver câncer de pele. OBJETIVO: Identificar os hábitos relacionados à exposição solar dos professores de Educação Física (EF) que trabalham com atividades aquáticas. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se um estudo observacional do tipo transversal com 123 professores de EF, de ambos os sexos, que trabalham com atividades aquáticas, no mínimo, há um ano, com idades entre 20 e 58 anos, utilizando-se um questionário com perguntas abertas e fechadas. RESULTADOS: Do total de informantes, observou-se que 64,2% trabalham diretamente expostos ao Sol e 13,0%, em piscinas com cobertura parcial, dos quais 69,5% o fazem entre 10h e 16h. Do grupo exposto ao Sol, verificou-se que apenas 17,9% sempre se protegem: 14,3% dos homens e 23,1% das mulheres. Contudo, não houve diferenças estatísticas significativas. CONCLUSÕES: A partir dos dados coletados, é possível concluir que o grupo amostral estudado parece encontrarse em situação de risco diante da possibilidade de desenvolver câncer de pele

Risk factors for basal cell carcinoma: Results from the case-control study

The aim of the present case-control study was to assess the risk factors for Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in the Montenegrin population. The study group was comprised of 100 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of BCC, while the control group consisted of patients who did not present skin cancer and who were individually matched to the cases by sex and age. The increased risk for BCC was associated with: the presence of nevi (odds ratio [OR] = 3.77; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.12–12.73), type of skin concerning to burn rather than to tan after repeated sun exposure in childhood or adolescence (OR = 3.14; 95% CI = 1.59–6.18), the skin reaction to burn after two or more hours of sunlight during childhood or adolescence (OR = 4.53; 95% CI = 2.37–8.63), the number of severe and painful sunburns during their lifetime(OR = 3.52; 95% CI = 1.68–7.38), outdoor work during the summer-time (OR = 2.73; 95% CI = 1.00–7.45), occupational exposure to chemicals (OR = 17.89; 95% CI = 2.82–113.52), history of eczema (OR = 4.17; 95% CI = 1.53–11.39), and history of previous BCC (OR = 3.86; 95% CI = 1.40–10.65). Our study confirms the role of environmental and constitutional factors in development of BCC.

Sunscreens and occupation: the Austrian experience

Since the nineteen fifties the attitude of the fair-skinned world population towards the sun has changed dramatically. Tanned skin, which before was regarded as the stigma of the underprivileged working classes, became fashionable and desirable. The science of photoprotection primarily focuses on ultraviolet exposure during leisure time activities, whereas ultraviolet radiation is still underestimated as a risk factor for UV-induced skin and eye problems. The actual discussion on the registration of UV-induced skin tumours as occupational diseases, however, has drawn more attention to this important issue. Ambient radiation, the working process itself and the photoprotective behaviour of an outdoor worker are the main factors which influence the actual UV exposure. However, the total risk for the development of actinic damage results from the interaction of both the occupational and the leisure time exposure. It is evident that there is a high need for photoprotective measures for outdoor workers. Topical sunscreens as a part of a comprehensive UV protection strategy for outdoor workers have to fulfil special requirements: reasonable price, high water resistance, non-sticky appearance. At present only a few products are available which meet these criteria. This is the reason why sunscreens are not so well accepted by outdoor workers. Great efforts have to be undertaken to improve sunscreen formulations and to convince people to apply them correctly and regularly.

Environmental effects of ozone depletion and its interactions with climate change: progress report, 2009

The parties to the Montreal Protocol are informed by three panels of experts. One of these is the Environmental Effects Assessment Panel (EEAP), which deals with UV radiation and its effects on human health, animals, plants, biogeochemistry, air quality and materials. Since 2000, the analyses and interpretation of these effects have included interactions between UV radiation and global climate change. When considering the effects of climate change, it has become clear that processes resulting in changes in stratospheric ozone are more complex than believed previously. As a result of this, human health and environmental problems will likely be longer-lasting and more regionally variable. Like the other panels, the EEAP produces a detailed report every four years; the most recent was that for 2006 (Photochem. Photobiol. Sci., 2007, 6, 201-332). In the years in between, the EEAP produces a less detailed and shorter progress report, as is the case for this present one for 2009. A full quadrennial report will follow for 2010.

Sun protection intervention for highway workers: long-term efficacy of UV photography and skin cancer information on men's protective cognitions and behavior

Background

The risk for skin cancer is increased among older males and outdoor workers who have high levels of ultraviolet (UV) exposure.

Purpose

This study was designed to examine the long-term efficacy of UV photography interventions on male outdoor workers, the potential mediators of its impact, and the efficacy of UV photography and skin cancer vs. aging information with this population.

Methods

One hundred forty-eight male outdoor workers were randomly assigned to one of four intervention conditions or a control condition in a two by two plus one factorial design. The men in the intervention conditions received or did not receive a UV photo of their face and watched either a photoaging or skin cancer educational video. Participants completed pre-intervention, immediate post-intervention, and 2-month and 1-year follow-up assessments.

Results

Analysis of covariance and structural equation modeling revealed that participants in the UV photography and cancer information interventions reported higher levels of sun protection cognitions, which were significant partial mediators of increases in sun protection behaviors and decreases in skin color.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence for effective sun protection interventions on male outdoor workers that may help reduce skin cancer risk.

UV-induced skin cancer at workplace and evidence-based prevention

PURPOSE

The present review is aimed at providing an overview of skin cancer with particular focus on occupational concern and giving evidence-based recommendation for effective prevention at workplace.

METHODS

We performed a systematic search of literature using PubMed and the Cochrane Library.

RESULTS

Outcome of preventive strategies depends either on efficacy of the strategy itself but also on acceptance and implementation of protective means among the persons at possible risk for hazardous health effects. Epidemiological studies have reported significantly more non-melanoma skin cancer in men than in women. Life-style choices and difference in immunosuppression play a major role in this gender disparity. Tumor biology of skin cancer is diverging: severe blistering sunburns corresponding to intermittent intense UV exposures are associated with an increased risk for both melanoma and basal cell carcinoma (BCC); whereas the risk of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and actinic keratoses (AK) is strongly associated with chronic UV exposure. Several clinical trials give evidence that long-term use of sunscreen prevents the appearance of non-melanotic skin cancer such as AK and SCC, but not of BCC. All technical and organizing measures aimed at reducing UV exposure at workplace belong to first-line prevention; however, there is much room for improvement. The efficacy of personal protection means (second-line strategy) strongly depends on the workers' compliance which is quite low at workplace.

CONCLUSION

Evidence-based data confirming the benefit of sun protective strategies are scarce, general recommendations are mainly based on the avoidance of UV radiation being identified as potential risk factor for non-melanoma skin cancer in epidemiological studies. Occupational screenings should include regular interventions aimed at enhancing a clear understanding of risk factors for individuals and finally improving the acceptance and maintenance for UV-protective means at workplace.