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Actinic keratosis among seafarers
M Oldenburg1, B Kuechmeister, U Ohnemus
1Hamburg State Department for Health and Consumer Protection, Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Seewartenstrasse 10, 20459, Hamburg, Germany, marcus.oldenburg@bgv.hamburg.de.
Archives of Dermatological Research
|July 3, 2013
Summary
Seafarers face a high risk of developing actinic keratosis and skin cancer due to prolonged UV exposure. Increased risk is linked to years at sea and sun exposure during leave, necessitating enhanced sun protection advice.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Occupational Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure is a known risk factor for skin cancer.
- Seafarers experience significant occupational UV exposure, potentially increasing their risk of skin damage.
- Actinic keratosis (AK) is a common precursor to squamous cell carcinoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of UV-induced actinic keratosis and other skin lesions in seafarers.
- To investigate the association between lifetime UV exposure, duration of seafaring, and skin cancer development.
- To identify specific risk factors for skin lesions among seafarers.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 514 seafarers completed a questionnaire on UV radiation exposure.
- A dermatologist performed whole-body skin examinations.
- Statistical analysis, including age standardization and odds ratios, was used to assess risk.
Main Results:
- 94 seafarers were diagnosed with actinic keratoses, and 48 with skin cancers.
- Male European seafarers showed a 1.80-fold increased risk of actinic keratosis.
- Increased risk of AK and squamous cell carcinoma was associated with years at sea and sun exposure during leave.
Conclusions:
- Seafarers have a high prevalence of actinic keratosis and skin cancer, linked to cumulative UV exposure.
- Occupational and recreational UV exposure significantly increases skin cancer risk in this population.
- Targeted sun protection advice for seafarers, considering their specific exposure patterns, is crucial.
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