GlobalSkin is proud to share the Global Call to Action to Protect Outdoor Workers from Skin Cancer caused by Solar UV Radiation Exposure. In 2023, we co-hosted 2nd Multi-Stakeholder Summit on Occupational Skin Cancer in Berlin with European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) and the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) that paved the way for this vital initiative.
Outdoor workers are a very high-risk group for non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC)1 due to occupational ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure. In Germany, skin cancer by UV exposure is already the 3rd most frequently acknowledged occupational disease (ca. 6,000 cases/year), with most cases entitled to compensation out of all work-related ailments (ca. 900 cases/year). In Europe, in the general population, NMSC is the most frequent of all cancers with a current annual increase of up to 10%. This presents a major challenge to social insurance systems and provision of medical care. Prevention is simple and easy, but frequently not implemented, especially in workplaces. Unfortunately, workplace and private UV exposures are currently increasing due to global climate change in many regions.
The call to action highlights the high risk of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) among over 70 million outdoor workers in Europe due to occupational UV radiation exposure. Key recommendations covered in the call to action include:
- Policymakers improving legislative frameworks for better protection and recognition of NMSC as an occupational disease.
- Health professionals ensuring standardized registration and early treatment of NMSC.
- Employers implementing sun-safe measures, monitoring UV exposure, and facilitating regular skin cancer screenings.
- Enhancing diagnostic skills among physicians and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Collaborative efforts to promote skin cancer prevention and sun-safe practices through education and awareness campaigns.
The development of this crucial call to action was actively supported by several key individuals, including Dr. Martin Röcken, President of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV); Dr. Henry W. Lim, President of the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS); Marc Yale, Board President of GlobalSkin; Antoine Gilksohn, Executive Director of the Global Albinism Alliance (GAA); and Dr. Swen Malte John, Chair of the Taskforce on Occupational Skin Diseases at the EADV.
The call to action, supported by 30 organizations worldwide, is a crucial step toward driving real-world change by advocating for stronger legislative frameworks, enhanced prevention strategies, and comprehensive education on sun safety. It serves as an important milestone in urging policymakers, employers, and health professionals to take proactive measures to protect outdoor workers from the harmful effects of UV radiation.
GlobalSkin’s participation as a co-signatory to this call to action underscores its strong commitment to pushing for greater recognition of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) as a significant occupational hazard. Building on this momentum, GlobalSkin board member Murray Turner represented us at the 3rd Multi-Stakeholder Summit on Occupational Skin Cancer in Brisbane, Australia, on September 10, 2024. By being part of such initiatives, GlobalSkin aims to help create safer working environments and promote a healthier future for millions of people exposed to occupational UV risks.
Reference:
1 NMSC encompasses basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and actinic keratosis (AK); more correctly, these tumour entities are being referred to as “keratinocytic carcinomata”. However, for the purpose of this Call to Action the widely used term NMSC will be applied.