British builders ‘are most at risk of developing deadliest form of skin cancer’
Builders in Britain who work outside on a regular basis are the most likely to develop the most deadly form of skin cancer, according to a new study.
Exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun while at work leads to one death and five new cases of malignant melanoma every week, the new estimates suggest.
Construction workers are most at risk of malignant melanoma – accounting for 21 deaths and 101 cases of malignant melanoma – followed by those who work in agriculture, according to researchers,
Police, the Armed Forces and other public administration workers are also susceptible, according to the study, funded by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health and published in the British Journal Of Cancer.
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The researchers estimated there are 48 deaths and 241 cases of melanoma skin cancer each year in Britain caused by people being exposed to the sun while working.
Dr Lesley Rushton, lead researcher from Imperial College London, said: “We’ve shown previously that people often don’t understand the risks of damage caused by sun in the UK.
“But this research shows you don’t have to work in the Mediterranean or a traditionally sunny country for the sun to damage your skin.
“It’s important to get to know what your skin is normally like, and to tell your doctor if you notice any changes to how your skin looks or feels.
“Skin cancer can appear as a new mole or mark, or it can be a change to something you’ve had for a while.
“Now that we have a clearer picture of the extent of the damage caused, employers need to make sure they take sun exposure at work seriously and work out how to reduce it.”
The authors examined risk estimates and national data and concluded that the main industries “of concern” were construction, agriculture, public administration and defence and land transport.
Commenting on the study, Sarah Williams, Cancer Research UK’s health information manager, said: “Generally, the best ways for people to protect their skin is to spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm, and cover up with clothing.
“Also use sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and four or more stars on the parts of the body you can’t cover, like face and hands.”
Top pic: PA