Sun exposure poses melanoma risk for farmers of all ages

RICHMOND, VA — Longer summer days mean more exposure to the sun for hardworking farmers of all ages.

Estimates suggest there will be 104,960 new cases of melanoma of the skin and an estimated 8,430 people who will die of this disease in 2025, according to the National Institutes of Health. Invasive melanoma of the skin is the third most common cancer diagnosed among adolescents and young adults age 15 to 39 in the U.S.

Farmers often work in conditions favorable for permanent skin damage from sun exposure. Image credit - Mark Stebnicki

“Farmers are more susceptible to skin cancer, as they are working in the elements daily,” said Matt Nuckols, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s safety coordinator. “The skin-saving advice of staying out of the sun during the midday hours isn’t practical for farmers. Likely, they’ll need to maximize every minute of daylight during the growing and harvest seasons.”

American Farm Bureau Federation’s sun safety tips are aimed at helping the nation’s agriculturalists protect their skin from harmful rays:

• Make sunscreen a daily routine: Slather on a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30—even on overcast days. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that up to 80% of the sun's rays pass through clouds. Carry sunscreen and SPF lip balm with daily supplies, adding a fresh layer every two hours.

• Choose UV-protective clothing: Clothing is the best defense for sun safety. Consider workwear with an ultraviolet protection factor of 50 or higher.

• Wear sun-blocking accessories: Make a wide-brimmed hat with a neck flap and sunglasses with UV protection part of an everyday wardrobe. Sunglasses offer extra protection for the skin around the eyes—a common place for skin cancer.

• Practice sun safety when driving: Those spending a lot of time in trucks or tractors may need UV-tinted windows.

“Some of us have a habit of perching an arm on an open window,” Nuckols added. “Either change the practice or make sure your arm is adequately protected with clothing and sunscreen.”

Regular monthly self-examinations are the simplest tool for the prevention of invasive skin cancers. The National Ag Safety Database recommends looking for:

• Any unusual skin condition, especially a change in size or color of a mole, pigmented growth, or spot.

• Oozing, bleeding, or a change in the appearance of a bump or nodule.

• The spread of pigmentation beyond its border.

• A change in sensation, such as itchiness, tenderness, or pain.

“If any of these warning signs appear, consult your family physician immediately,” Nuckols advised. “Early detection is critical!”