Commentary: Skin cancer in the military

An Assessment on the Efficiency of Clothing with UV Protection among the Spanish Navy School Students

Concern about the harmful effects that ultraviolet (UV) rays have on the skin of people who are routinely exposed to solar radiation has driven the industry of skin protection creams, sunglasses and clothing. Spanish Navy personnel are subject to different levels of exposure depending on their rank and function. The objective of this research is to analyze the behavioral variables associated to the effects on the skin caused by UV rays, denoted by the combined effects of perceived susceptibility and perceived severity, on their decision to purchase and wear uniforms with UV protection. A confirmatory analysis using a structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed on a sample of 100 respondents. The model results revealed a strong mediating characteristic of the intention to use, variable associated with the exogenous variables. Attitude towards the use of clothing and social influence, as well as the exogenous variable clothing action planning, on the sun protective clothing use during tactical maneuvers. These relationships were significant with p-values close to zero. However, exogenous variables related to perceived susceptibility and perceived severity in exposure to sunlight did not represent a significant influence when mediated by self-efficacy in use. The results revealed the consequence of awareness about the importance of protecting oneself and the influence that usage habits can have on the military with respect to the decision to purchase uniforms with UV protection.

Physician skin cancer screening among U.S. military veterans: Results from the National Health Interview Survey

Introduction

Although military veterans are at increased risk for skin cancer, little is known about the extent to which they have been screened for skin cancer. The study objective was to examine the prevalence and correlates of physician skin cancer screening among U.S. military veterans.

Methods

Data were drawn from the National Health Interview Survey. The study sample consisted of 2,826 individuals who reported being military veterans. Receipt of a physician skin examination was measured using a single question that asked participants whether they had ever had all of their skin from head to toe checked for cancer by a dermatologist or some other kind of doctor.

Results

Less than a third (30.88%) of participants reported ever having a physician skin examination. Factors positively associated with receipt of a physician skin examination in a multivariable logistic regression analysis included: older age, greater educational level, non-Hispanic white race/ethnicity, having TRICARE (military) health insurance, greater skin sensitivity to the sun, and engagement in more sun protection behaviors.

Conclusions

The majority of military veterans have never been screened for skin cancer by a physician. Screening rates were higher among individuals with one or more skin cancer risk factors. Future research is warranted to test targeted skin cancer screening interventions for this at risk and understudied population.

Sun Exposure Prevention Practices Within U.S. Naval Aviation

INTRODUCTION

Occupational exposure to ultraviolet radiation is a critical concern for those serving in the U.S. Military. Work and mission requirements predispose members to significant sun exposure, while sun-protective behavior often comes second to mission accomplishment. Prior research implicated institutional practices and constraints as preventing the routine use of sun protection modalities, but no large-scale studies have assessed service members' perceptions regarding sun protection modalities available to them in their work environment or their daily sun protection practices.

METHODS

The study employed a cross-sectional survey distributed to active duty (AD) U.S. Navy service members assigned to 1 of 19 aircraft squadrons based in Southern California and deployed on missions across the Pacific theater of operations. The intent was to evaluate rates of sunburn, sun-protective practices, and perceptions regarding sun exposure and prevention practices in their workplace. The study and survey tool received approval from the Naval Medical Center San Diego Institutional Review Board. Statistical analysis of survey answers was performed to assess for trends in response rates overall and response rates within sociodemographic groups. Pearson's chi-squared tests were utilized to assess for significance where appropriate. P-values <.05 were used to determine statistically significant trends in response rates.

RESULTS

One thousand surveys were distributed, of which 896 surveys were completed. The response rate was 89.6%. Eight hundred and eighty-eight surveys were included in the analysis. The surveyed population was consistent with the demographics of the U.S. Navy as a whole. 55.1% of survey respondents reported sunburn within the past year, higher than the rate reported in a previously surveyed civilian population. Reports of sunburn within the past year were not significantly different in regard to gender (P = .88), age (P = .53), and years of AD (P = .48). Increasing rank did show a significant correlation with reports of sunburn (P = .0) (Table S1). 62.2% of those surveyed reported frequent/routine use of some form of sun protection. This was lower than the rate reported in a previously surveyed civilian population. A large majority of service members surveyed (75.9%) reported using sunscreen with a sun protection factor >15.29.1% of survey respondents reported working in direct sunlight always/almost always. This was lower than the rates reported in a previously surveyed U.S. Air Force population of aviation maintainers. Low rates of respondents reported frequent reminders to use sun protection (18.9%), and fewer reported the routine or frequent use of sunscreen while at work (12.3%). A higher percentage reported regular use of sunscreen during outdoor leisure activities (36.5%), suggesting a barrier to use in the workplace.

CONCLUSIONS

U.S. Military personnel report higher rates of sunburn and lower rates of routine use of sun protection practices compared to a previously surveyed civilian population. The overall rates of sun protection use while in the work setting are low both overall and compared to reports of routine use during outdoor leisure activities. Reported rates of reminders to use sunscreen are low, suggesting that increased education regarding the risk of excessive sun exposure and tools for effective sun protection are still needed.