Burden of non-melanoma skin cancer attributable to occupational sun exposure in Canada

Peters CE, Kim J, Song C, Heer E, Arrandale VH, Pahwa M, Labrèche F, McLeod CB, Davies HW, Ge CB, Demers PA. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2019 Nov;92(8):1151-1157.

Purpose: Outdoor workers are exposed daily to solar ultraviolet radiation, an important contributor in the development of non-melanoma skin cancer. This study aimed to quantify the health burden of non-melanoma skin cancers among outdoor workers in Canada.

Methods: Solar ultraviolet radiation exposure and estimates of exposure levels were applied to employment information from Canada census data to determine the exposed population in the risk exposure period (1961-2001). Risk estimates were drawn from meta-analyses selected based on quality and relevance to the current study. Population-attributable fractions were calculated using Levin’s equation and attributable cases were estimated based on incidence data reported by the Canadian Cancer Society.

Results: In 2011, 6.31% (4556 cases) of non-melanoma skin cancer cases were estimated to be attributable to occupational exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation. The majority of these cases occurred in men in the agriculture or construction industries.

Conclusions: These estimates of the burden of non-melanoma skin cancer in Canada identify the need for further prevention efforts, particularly in agriculture and construction. Introducing workplace sun safety measures could be an important area for policy development.