Skin cancer in the workplace: Urgent appeal for prevention against UV radiation!

Skin cancer in the workplace: Urgent appeal for prevention against UV radiation!

Urgent issues will be discussed at the 21st European Association of Dermato-Oncology (EADO) Congress and the 11th World Congress of Melanoma, which opened today in Athens. Under the motto “Occupational Skin Cancer: The Sleeping Giant”, strategies to combat skin cancer in an occupational context are to be developed, as the University of Osnabrück did in one notice reported. The event is organized by EADO, the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS), the Australasian College of Dermatologists (ACD), the International Commission of Occupational Health (ICOH) and the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV).

The figures from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labor Organization (ILO) show alarming trends: around a third of all deaths from non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) worldwide can be attributed to UV radiation in the workplace. It is estimated that 1.6 billion people worldwide are exposed to UV radiation at work. This issue is compounded by the rising incidence of skin cancer and deaths due to sunlight, which nearly doubled between 2000 and 2019.

The challenge of UV exposure

Those working outside, for example in agriculture, construction and tourism, are particularly at higher risk. According to an EU-wide survey, UV radiation is the most frequently cited risk factor among 24 identified carcinogens. Another serious problem is that skin cancer is often only diagnosed in retirement, meaning 98% of medical costs are borne by workers and their families. Factors such as unfavorable weather and inadequate preventative measures contribute to the disease often being diagnosed late.

Prevention is seen as a sustainable way to combat this problem. Concepts such as shading, special protective clothing, sunscreen, changed working hours, regular check-ups and training are essential. Estimates put the direct and indirect costs of skin cancer in Europe at at least 5.6 billion euros annually. A successful model is Australia, where intensive prevention measures and legal obligations have successfully reduced the number of skin cancers.

Developments in the recognition of occupational diseases

Another focus of the discussion in Athens is the professional recognition of skin cancer caused by UV radiation, which has already taken place in countries such as Switzerland, Romania, Belgium and Austria. There is currently growing pressure on countries like Greece to join this initiative. Occupational disease number 5103, which involves skin cancer caused by UV radiation, was established almost ten years ago. There are around 9,000 reports every year, of which over 50% are recognized.

Developments show that the average life expectancy of recognized cases is over 70 years, and many of those affected are no longer in active working life. In 2022, the costs for medical treatments amounted to 40.2 million euros. This highlights the need for a proactive approach, especially as the number of skin cancer cases becomes more and more relevant due to increasing UV radiation levels. The Research Industry-specific prevention concepts must continue to receive strong support.

Given climate change and increasing UV exposure, the urgency of preventive measures is higher than ever. Employers must be actively involved in the implementation so that effective protective measures can be implemented at all levels. The next important event in this context is the Multi-Stakeholder Summit, which is scheduled to take place in Vienna in September 2026.