Any amount of sun exposure can increase the risk of developing skin cancer, but for farmers and others who frequently work outdoors, that risk is even greater.
“Farmers often have a lifetime of sun exposure, which places them at an increased risk of developing skin cancers. They should make it a habit to make sun safety practices a part of their daily routine,” said Jimmy Maass, safety manager for Virginia Farm Bureau and a part-time farmer.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. More than 3.5 million skin cancers in more than 2 million people are diagnosed annually. Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined incidence of breast, lung, colon and prostate cancers.
But because skin cancer is a lifestyle disease, it is highly preventable with extra precaution.
Try to stay in the shade when possible between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to avoid sunburn, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends. The risk for melanoma doubles for a person who has had five or more sunburns at any point in his or her life.
“Make sure, when you purchase sunglasses, that they say they protect against UVA and UVB rays,” Maass said. “Sometimes cheaper sunglasses may be dark, but they will allow the pupil to open wider and can let in damaging rays.”
Clothing is often the most effective form of sun protection, so make the most of it with densely woven and bright- or dark-colored fabrics and a broad-brimmed hat.
“The more skin you cover, the better, so I usually choose long sleeves and long pants, even though it is warm outside,” Maass said.
Wear a water- and sweat-resistant broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or greater. For extended outdoor activity, an SPF of 30 or greater is recommended. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to going outdoors, and reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
For more information, visit skincancer.org.
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