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Symanzik C, John SM. [Skin cancer from solar ultraviolet radiation exposure at work]. DERMATOLOGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 75:104-111. [PMID: 37964134 DOI: 10.1007/s00105-023-05254-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Due to their professional activities, outdoor workers are exposed to an increased risk of developing occupational skin cancer caused by solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation as defined by occupational disease (OD) number 5103. Since the amendment to the Occupational Diseases Ordinance ("Berufskrankheitenverordnung", BKV) in 2015, squamous cell carcinomas or multiple actinic keratoses of the skin caused by natural UV radiation in outdoor workers in Germany can be recognized as occupational disease in the sense of OD number 5103. The main cause of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is solar UV radiation; it is the most relevant occupational carcinogen in terms of the number of exposed workers (i.e., outdoor workers). Circumstances associated with climate change include increased terrestrial UV radiation, an increase in the number of cloudless days and therefore the number of hours of direct sunshine, adverse meteorological effects to the stratospheric ozone layer, and so-called low ozone events and associated more intense UV radiation. In the future, comprehensive considerations will have to be made as to how prevention concepts can be effectively designed to avoid the development of occupational skin cancer in outdoor workers. The treatment of future cases of skin cancer will be a particular challenge due to their high number and only a limited number of dermatologists available. Hopefully, prevention of skin cancer will become even more important in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara Symanzik
- Institut für interdisziplinäre Dermatologische Prävention und Rehabilitation (iDerm), an der Universität Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Deutschland
- Abteilung Dermatologie, Umweltmedizin und Gesundheitstheorie, Universität Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Deutschland
| | - Swen Malte John
- Institut für interdisziplinäre Dermatologische Prävention und Rehabilitation (iDerm), an der Universität Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Deutschland.
- Abteilung Dermatologie, Umweltmedizin und Gesundheitstheorie, Universität Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Deutschland.
- Niedersächsisches Institut für Berufsdermatologie (NIB), Osnabrück, Deutschland.
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Photoprotection in occupational dermatology. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2023:10.1007/s43630-023-00385-6. [PMID: 36853496 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-023-00385-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Skin cancer has become a substantial matter of public health and in the workplace, accounting for a significant share of all reported occupational diseases. The most important external factor in the development of skin cancer is exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation. Outdoor workers have already been identified as a high-risk category. The need for interventions to improve the sun protection behavior of outdoor workers has recently been understood. Outdoor workers' risk perceptions and attitudes toward sun protection methods are likely to influence practical sun protection behavior at work, and despite the fact that many workers have expressed interest in improving their sun protection behavior, outdoor workers' unique needs are still neglected. Occupational dermatology is predicted to become more concerned with photoprotection in the decades ahead. Preventive action against the rapidly increasing number skin cancer cases is in great demand around the globe. In terms of preventive measures, the full range of available options should be used as needed to address the current difficulties in a goal-oriented way. This will almost certainly only be achievable if preventative efforts on a collective and individual level are successfully paired with support from policymakers to inspire long-term change.
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Symanzik C, John SM. Sun protection and occupation: Current developments and perspectives for prevention of occupational skin cancer. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1110158. [PMID: 36620257 PMCID: PMC9816330 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1110158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A substantial proportion of all reported occupational illnesses are constituted by skin cancer, making this disease a serious public health issue. Solar ultra-violet radiation (UVR) exposure is the most significant external factor in the development of skin cancer, for which the broad occupational category of outdoor workers has already been identified as high-risk group. Sun protection by deploying adequate technical, organizational, and person-related measures has to be understood as a functional aspect of workplace safety. To prevent skin cancers brought on by-typically cumulative-solar UVR exposure, outdoor workers must considerably lower their occupationally acquired solar UVR doses. Estimating cumulative sun exposure in outdoor workers requires consideration of the level of solar UVR exposure, the tasks to be done in the sun, and the employees' solar UVR preventive measures. Recent studies have highlighted the necessity for measures to enhance outdoor workers' sun protection behavior. In the coming decades, occupational dermatology is expected to pay increasing attention to sun protection at work. Also, the field of dermato-oncology will likely be concerned with sky-rocketing incidences of occupational skin cancers. The complete range of available alternatives should be utilized in terms of preventive actions, which seems pivotal to handle the present and future challenges in a purposeful manner. This will almost definitely only be possible if politicians' support is effectively combined with communal and individual preventive actions in order to spur long-term transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara Symanzik
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Dermatological Prevention and Rehabilitation (iDerm), Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany,Department of Dermatology, Environmental Medicine and Health Theory, Institute for Health Research and Education (IGB), Faculty of Human Sciences, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany,*Correspondence: Cara Symanzik ✉
| | - Swen Malte John
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Dermatological Prevention and Rehabilitation (iDerm), Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany,Department of Dermatology, Environmental Medicine and Health Theory, Institute for Health Research and Education (IGB), Faculty of Human Sciences, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
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Trenerry C, Fletcher C, Wilson C, Gunn K. "She'll Be Right, Mate": A Mixed Methods Analysis of Skin Cancer Prevention Practices among Australian Farmers-An At-Risk Group. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19052940. [PMID: 35270633 PMCID: PMC8910209 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This study examined Australian farmers’ engagement with skin cancer prevention behaviours and explored what made it hard for them to be ‘SunSmart’ (barriers), and what could be done to make prevention easier (facilitators). In total, 498 farmers (83.1% male, 22–89 years, 50.8% grain, sheep, or cattle farmers) participated. The least frequently performed SunSmart behaviours (reported as never practiced during summer) were using SPF 30+ sunscreen (16.6%), wearing protective sunglasses (10.5%), and wearing protective clothing (8.6%). Greater engagement (i.e., higher scores on scale from Never to Always) with SunSmart behaviours was explained by gender (female), educational attainment (trade or technical college certificate vs. high school), personal skin cancer history, and skin sun sensitivity. Barriers reported by farmers related to personal preferences (e.g., short-sleeved rather than long-sleeved clothing), comfort, and perceived impracticality of sun protection. Farmers’ solutions included making protective clothing and sunscreen more appropriate for farm work (e.g., by making clothing more breathable). A personal health scare was the most reported motivation for skin cancer prevention. Findings highlight the need for increased access to sun-protective clothing and sunscreen that is suitable for wearing when working on farms, complemented by culturally appropriate health education messaging, to encourage more farmers to perform SunSmart behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Trenerry
- School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia;
- Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia;
| | - Chloe Fletcher
- Department of Rural Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia;
| | - Carlene Wilson
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia;
- Olivia Newton John Cancer Wellness Research Centre, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Kate Gunn
- Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia;
- Department of Rural Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia;
- Correspondence:
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