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National Skin Cancer Action Week: Staying Safe in the Australian Sun

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National Skin Cancer Action Week (17-23 November) is a reminder of the well-known dangers of skin cancer. Termed the ‘national cancer’, Australia holds the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Although skin cancer is largely preventable, two out of three Australians are likely to develop the disease by age 70 and around 2000 people lose their lives to this cancer each year.

Although summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, it is also a time of high exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, particularly for those Aussie workers employed outdoors. Research indicates that as many as 34% of Australian workers are exposed to direct sunlight during working hours, and it is estimated that around 200 melanomas and 34,000 non melanoma skin cancers per year can be attributed to occupational exposures to UV radiation.

Types of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer develops when overexposure to UV radiation damages skin cells. It manifests in three primary forms:

  • Basal Cell Carcinoma: The most common type of cancer that develops in the basal cells in the deepest part of the external layer of skin (epidermis). It is slow growing but potentially damaging if untreated.
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma: The second most common type of skin cancer. It is fast-growing and capable of significant tissue damage.
  • Melanoma: Although rare, this is the most dangerous form, capable of rapid spread and fatality. Melanoma develops from cells called melanocytes (pigment-producing cells).

Occupational Risk Factors

The nature of some jobs significantly increases skin cancer risk. Outdoor workers such as farmers, construction workers, drivers, miners, and lifeguards face 5-10 times higher exposure levels.

Some common risk factors include:

  • Sunlight

Sun exposure is harmful due to the UV radiation it emits. Sunlight can cause permanent and irreversible damage to the skin and eyes. Solar ultraviolet radiation is the leading cause of skin cancer in Australia. Solar radiation is more harmful when reflected off certain surfaces (metals or glass) and can be at hazardous levels year-round in Australia, not only in summer and even when in cloudy weather.

The Australian Workplace Exposure Study found that UV radiation is the most common carcinogen (cancer-causing agent) construction workers are exposed to, placing them at increased skin cancer risk. The International Agency for Cancer Research (IARC) classified UV radiation as a Group 1 carcinogen in 1992.

  • Artificial ultraviolet radiation

Workers can also be exposed to artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation that is particularly dangerous as it is not visible. In particular, welding produces high levels of artificial ultraviolet radiation to welders and non-welders in the working environment. The highest levels of radiation is associated with gas metal arc welding, as there is high exposure only after a few minutes of welding.

The IARC classified welding-related ultraviolet radiation as carcinogenic to humans in 2017 based on sufficient evidence that exposure can cause ocular melanoma, which manifests as a painful sunburn to the eye.

To reduce this risk, welders should use, full-face welding helmets, UV-filtered lenses, face masks and appropriate protective clothing.

  • Chemicals

X-rays and gamma radiation rays have been classified by the IARC as a carcinogen sufficient to cause malignant (cancerous) non-melanomas. This includes workers exposed to high levels of radiation at work, such as uranium miners, nuclear power plant workers and healthcare and dental workers exposed to x-ray equipment (or other imaging tests).

Skin cancer often develops 15–20 years post-exposure, meaning preventive measures must be ongoing.

Spotting the Signs Early

Fortunately, skin cancer is almost entirely preventable with adequate sun protection. Sun protection is also important against artificial UV radiation, which is particularly dangerous because it cannot be seen or felt (like sun exposure). According to the Bureau of Meteorology, sun protection is required when the UV Index is forecast to reach 3 or above, which can be tracked via the SunSmart Global UV app.

It is also important to keep an eye out for warning signs, including:

  • New or changing moles or spots
  • Spots with irregular outlines, uneven colours, or evolving textures
  • Moles that bleed, itch, or feel tender.

Routine self-checks and consultations with healthcare professionals can make a significant difference.

Protecting Workers from Skin Cancer

Safe Work Australia recommends protective measures for employers to put in place to protect workers from direct and indirect UV radiation, including:

  • Window and glass tinting where possible
  • The provision of shaded areas
  • Personal protective equipment (hats, sunglasses and protective clothing)
  • Providing sunscreen
  • Adjusting work schedules to avoid peak UV exposure times (10am-3pm)
  • Training to raise awareness of sun protection measures.
  • Offering regular skin checks to detect and treat potential issues early.

Are you Eligible for WorkCover Compensation?

A worker diagnosed with skin cancer may be entitled to WorkCover compensation based on the nature of their employment (whether current or former employment).

It must be shown that the nature of your employment significantly increased the risk of you developing skin cancer, rather than needing to prove that your current or past employment with a specific employer is the actual cause of the disease.

A worker diagnosed with an occupational disease may be entitled to claim WorkCover compensation for:

You may also be entitled to other benefits regardless of whether you qualify for WorkCover compensation, including total and permanent disablement benefits from your superannuation policy.

What Can You Do?

This National Skin Cancer Week it is important to stay educated about the occupational risks. If you think you may have occupational skin cancer, you should see your general practitioner or specialist to determine if you have any conditions or diseases that may be due to the nature of your employment.

It is important that you give an occupational history.

Given that the period between exposure and the onset of symptoms can be lengthy, early preventative measures and detection is highly recommended. If you believe you have signs of skin cancer or any other illness that stems from your working conditions, you can contact us for a No Fee, Obligation appointment.