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Scientists

Occupational Exposure to Sun and Cancer Risk Among Danish Men

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research conducted in Copenhagen, Denmark, reveals a connection between working outdoors and the risks of various types of cancer among Danish men. The study, which analyzed data from a population-based case-control study, found that outdoor workers had a reduced risk of non-melanoma skin cancer but an increased risk of lip cancer compared to those who worked indoors. The results support the hypothesis that exposure to the sun can have both positive and negative effects on cancer risk, depending on the location and duration of work.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study examined the association between outdoor work and the risks of non-melanoma skin cancer, cutaneous malignant melanoma, and lip cancer among Danish men.
  • Among all male wage earners in Denmark, 42,542 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer, 7,690 cases of cutaneous malignant melanoma, and 2,341 cases of lip cancer were identified in the nationwide Danish Cancer Registry.
  • The adjusted odds ratios for outdoor workers employed more than 10 years were 0.83 (95% CI 0.77-0.88) for non-melanoma skin cancer and 1.67 (95% CI 1.38-2.03) for lip cancer.
  • Significantly reduced risk of basal cell cancers on the head, trunk, upper, or lower extremities were observed (range of odds ratios, 0.36 to 0.86).
  • The researchers concluded that the results support the hypothesis of a decreased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer and an increased risk of lip cancer among outdoor workers in the Northern Hemisphere.
  • L. Kenborg and colleagues from the Institute of Cancer Epidemiology published the study in Cancer Causes & Control in 2010.

Statistics:

  • 42,542 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer were identified in the nationwide Danish Cancer Registry.
  • 7,690 cases of cutaneous malignant melanoma were identified among Danish men.
  • 2,341 cases of lip cancer were identified in the Danish Cancer Registry.
  • The adjusted odds ratio for non-melanoma skin cancer among outdoor workers employed more than 10 years was 0.83 (95% CI 0.77-0.88).
  • The adjusted odds ratio for lip cancer among outdoor workers employed more than 10 years was 1.67 (95% CI 1.38-2.03).

Sources:

  • Kenborg, L., et al. (2010). Occupational exposure to the sun and risk of skin and lip cancer among male wage earners in Denmark: a population-based case-control study. Cancer Causes & Control, 21(8), 1347-1355.

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