Skin cancer by the job Construction workers most at risk

Study examines the risk of skin cancer in particularly vulnerable occupational groups
Especially in the summer warn doctors of the dangers of skin cancer. But not only bathing people and so-called sun worshipers are damaged by harmful UV rays. There are also certain occupational groups which have a particularly high risk of developing skin cancer. British researchers have now found out that construction workers are most vulnerable to exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays, followed by people working in agriculture.

Researchers at Imperial College London found in an investigation that construction workers are at greatest risk of developing a so-called malignant melanoma. It has long been recognized that some occupational groups are at an increased risk for skin cancer because they are exposed to the sun for hours at work. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "British Journal of Cancer".

In some professions, people are exposed to a lot of sun. British researchers are now investigating which occupational groups have the greatest risk of skin cancer. (Image: sculpies / fotolia.com)

Which occupational groups are particularly at risk??
Exposure to harmful UV rays during work can result in death. The British experts estimate that such jobs lead to five new cases of malignant melanoma every week. The most vulnerable are construction workers, followed by workers in agriculture. But also police, soldiers and civil servants are at increased risk.

Affected persons usually do not take dangers seriously
The scientists estimated that around 48 deaths and 241 skin cancers each year in the UK alone are triggered by the work of those affected. The danger is often underestimated. Earlier research has shown that workers in vulnerable occupations do not take seriously the risks of sun damage or understand them properly, Dr. Lesley Rushton of Imperial College London in a press release.

Watch changes in the skin
The new research proves that you do not have to work in the Mediterranean or in a traditionally sunny land to suffer solar damage, the researchers explain. It is very important that people keep an eye on their skin. So you can tell a doctor immediately if you notice any changes to the skin, the experts say.

Employers should protect their employees
We have a clearer picture of the extent of the damage caused. Now employers need to make sure that employees take the sunshine at work seriously and eventually develop ways to reduce the risk, the authors suggest.

Construction workers are particularly likely to die from skin cancer
The investigation included 21 deaths and the emergence of 101 cases of malignant melanoma in people who work as construction workers. We estimate that around two percent of all cutaneous malignant melanomas in the UK are due to occupational exposure to sunlight, the researchers explain.

Our body needs sun, but too much sun is dangerous
The results of the study highlight the need to develop appropriate strategies to reduce this burden. We all need some sun for the health of our bones, but too much sunshine can increase the risk of skin cancer.

Ways to reduce the risk
In general, the best way to protect the skin is to spend time between 11am and 3pm in the shade. You should also protect yourself from the sun by wearing long enough clothing. In addition, they should also use a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15 on the face and on the hands, the authors advise. (As)