Despite the fact that skin cancer is a preventable disease, millions of people around the world are diagnosed with it every year. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 132,000 melanoma skin cancers occur globally each year.

In addition to personal factors such as genetics, skin type, and sun exposure habits, research suggests that some occupations have a higher risk for skin cancer due to UV exposure on the job.

Construction Workers

Construction workers often work outdoors under the sun for long hours. In addition to being exposed to UV radiation, construction workers often wear little protective clothing due to the nature of their work.

According to a study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, construction workers had a 60 percent higher risk of skin cancer than white-collar workers.

Farmers

Farmers and agricultural workers are often exposed to the sun for long hours in the fields.

According to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health, farmers and agricultural workers had higher rates of skin cancer than the general population. Farmers and other agricultural workers may not wear protective clothing during their workday, increasing their exposure to UV radiation.

Roofers

Roofers often work in direct sunlight for long hours, increasing their risk of skin cancer. In addition, many roofers perform their work shirtless during the summer months, further increasing their exposure to UV radiation.

A study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that roofers had a 70 percent higher risk of skin cancer than white-collar workers.

Lifeguards

Lifeguards work outside for long hours in swimwear, increasing their exposure to UV radiation. In addition, many beaches have reflective surfaces such as sand or water that can increase UV exposure.

A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that lifeguards had a higher incidence of skin cancer than the general population.

Outdoor Workers

Many professions require work to be done outdoors, including park rangers, golf course employees, and delivery drivers.

Outdoor workers who do not wear protective clothing or use sunscreen regularly may have a higher risk of skin cancer due to UV exposure. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that outdoor workers had a higher incidence of skin cancer than the general population.

Commercial Fishermen

Commercial fishermen often spend long periods of time outdoors in the sun while fishing.

According to research published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, commercial fishermen had a higher incidence rate of skin cancer than the general population. Due to the nature of their work, commercial fishermen may not have access to protective clothing or sunscreen during their workday, increasing their risk of skin cancer.

Pilots

Pilots often have exposure to increased levels of UV radiation due to flying at high altitudes.

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, pilots had a higher incidence of skin cancer than the general population. Pilots may not wear protective clothing or use sunscreen during their flights, increasing their risk of skin cancer.

Painters

Painters are often exposed to the sun for long hours while working outdoors. In addition, many painters do not wear protective clothing due to the nature of their work.

According to a study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, painters had a higher incidence of skin cancer than the general population.

Landscapers

Landscapers work outside for long hours and are often exposed to UV radiation. Many landscapers do not wear protective clothing or use sunscreen, further increasing their risk of skin cancer.

According to research published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, landscapers had a higher incidence of skin cancer than the general population.

Professional Athletes

Professional athletes may be exposed to higher levels of UV radiation due to practicing and performing outdoors. Many athletes wear minimal clothing during their games or events, further increasing their exposure to UV radiation.

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, professional athletes had a higher incidence of skin cancer than the general population.

Conclusion

While skin cancer is a preventable disease, certain professions may increase a person’s risk of developing it due to regular UV exposure.

Workers in outdoor professions should take precautions such as wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen to reduce their risk of developing skin cancer.