Construction professionals, among the populations most at risk of developing skin cancer

Because, if everyone is likely to develop melanoma, we are not equal in the face of the sun! Some people are more exposed to UV radiation in the course of their work. On Sunday June 12, at the opening of this 24th edition, a 5-kilometre run in Paris will be organized by and for dermatologists, to raise awareness among the general public and professionals of the risks of unwanted exposure.

Save your skin… At work too!

Afarmers, seasonal workers, sports trades, construction, etc. Some professionals, whose work gives rise to intense and unwanted sun exposure, due to an activity mainly outdoors, are particularly concerned by the risk of skin cancer and present a risk higher than the population average (78,1% versus 65,5%*).

In France, 80 new cases of skin cancer, causing 000 deaths per year, are diagnosed each year (source INCA). These figures have been constantly increasing for 1 years, so it is essential to raise public awareness, especially with the arrival of summer and higher UV indices which generally reach 800 or 50 by the sea, and which increase by 7% per 8 meters of altitude.

Although more exposed, professionals working outdoors are often poorly informed about the risks they run. Construction workers, for example, are more difficult to reach because of the fragmented nature of the structure of their companies. Conversely, farmers or sailors are more easily made aware thanks to the approaches of their specialized mutual funds or occupational medicine, but for all that, they do not always apply the right protective measures.

And yet, like children, people with light skin, red hair, blue eyes, or even those susceptible to sunburn, these professionals or those practicing outdoor activities can more easily develop melanomas or carcinomas, in particular on the cheeks, nose, ears and on the top of the skull.

Actions that save

The prevention of occupational diseases is the responsibility of employers. However, the National Syndicate of Dermatologists and Venereologists recalls the importance of respecting the gestures to be adopted for outside professions and activities (but also for all audiences):

The actions to adopt

• Avoid sun exposure between 12 p.m. and 16 p.m.
• Prefer shaded areas.
• Protect your skin with clothing and wear a hat and sunglasses.
• Regularly renew the application of anti UVA and UVB sunscreen, especially on the uncovered parts. Favor sunscreens with mineral filters.
• Regularly monitor your skin (self-examination).
• Do not practice exposure in UV cabins.

Signs that should alert

• Practice self-examination and spot moles that are different from others.
• Be alert to any changes or new tasks.
• Practice the ABCDE method to recognize suspicious signs and seek medical advice:
  • Asymmetry in mole shape and color
  • Irregular or poorly delineated edges
  • Uneven color with depigmented areas or spots on the mole
  • Diameter with an above average mole size of 6mm
  • Evolution or rapid change in size, shape, color or thickness.

For people at risk, the SNDV strongly recommends regular examination of the skin by a doctor or dermatologist, including areas usually hidden under clothing, especially when there is a suspicious spot or mole that has changed color. 'aspect. Taken at an early stage, 90% of melanomas can be cured.