Occupational Risk Factors for Skin Cancer: A Comprehensive Review
10.3346/jkms.2024.39.e316
- Author:
Ye-Seo LEE
1
;
Hyejin GU
;
Yun-Hee LEE
;
Munyoung YANG
;
Hyojeong KIM
;
Ohwi KWON
;
Yeong Ho KIM
;
Mo-Yeol KANG
Author Information
1. Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Review Article
- From:Journal of Korean Medical Science
2024;39(42):e316-
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Public health and clinical medicine should identify and characterize modifiable risk factors for skin cancer in order to facilitate primary prevention. In existing literature, the impact of occupational exposure on skin cancer, including malignant melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers, has been extensively studied. This review summarizes the available epidemiological evidence on the significance of occupational risk factors and occupations associated with a higher risk in skin cancer. The results of this review suggest that there is sufficient epidemiological evidence to support the relationship between the increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancers and occupational exposure to solar radiation, ultraviolet radiation, ionizing radiation, arsenic and its compounds, and mineral oils. Occupational exposure to pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls appears to provide sufficient epidemiological evidence for melanoma, and a higher risk of melanoma has been reported among workers in petroleum refining and firefighters. This comprehensive analysis will establish a foundation for subsequent investigations and developing targeted interventions of focused preventive measures against skin cancer among the working population.
