Farmers three times more likely to die of cancer

FARMERS are three times more likely to die from cancer compared to other workers, with skin cancer being a significant factor.

A study by Teagasc, the representative agricultural body, indicates farmers do not give health issues, including risks from UV sunlight, enough priority.

Dr Triona McCarthy, a consultant in public health medicine, said that farmers appear to have a number of misunderstandings about the danger of UV sunlight risks and protective measures.

She added they are particularly vulnerable to this cancer because of the length of time they spend working outdoors.

Their self-employed work status also means controls and social supports are less readily applicable, she said.

Dr McCarthy said: ‘As with many cancers, malignant melanoma skin cancer develops when cells are damaged and grow uncontrollably. Exposure to (UV) rays from the sun, even on cloudy days, or from artificial sources like sunbeds is the most common cause of skin cancer.’

She also said farmers should monitor how long they spend outside in the sun each day, use protective clothing that covers exposed skin – including long sleeves, collared shirts, hats and sunglasses – and use sun cream with an SPF of at least 30 applied every two hours.

‘Contact your GP if you notice a lump or discoloured patch on the skin. Look out for new growth, or a sore, that does not heal in a few weeks, a spot or sore that itches, hurts, crusts, scabs or bleeds, constant skin ulcers with no other explanation for their cause and new or changing moles,’ Dr McCarthy said. ‘A key message we need to get across to farmers and outdoor workers is that UV sunlight is dangerous, but adopting protective measures leads to long-term risk reduction’.

Teagasc health and safety specialist Dr

John McNamara said: ‘CSO (Central Statistics Office) figures, from 2018, suggest that almost one-in-four (2.6%) of skin cancer deaths in Ireland are to farming, outdoor and construction workers.

‘This information indicates that one death every week in Ireland is at least partly due to sun exposure at work.’

To improve farmers’ knowledge on skin cancer, Teagasc is holding a webinar on the subject next Wednesday, April 21, from 11.30am.

Speaking at the event will be representatives of the Irish Cancer Society, the National Screening Service and the National Cancer Control Programme.