Funded by: NIOSH; Grant Number: R01 0H03915
Alberto J. Caban, MPH1, David J. Lee, PhD1, Lora E. Fleming1, Kristopher L. Arheart1, William G. LeBlanc1,
Katherine Chung-Bridges1, Sharon L. Christ, MS2,
(1)Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, P.O. Box 016069 (R-669), Miami, FL 33143, (2)Odum Institute for Research in Social Science, Manning Hall, CB#3355, Chapel Hill, 27599-3355
Objective: Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light is a significant risk factor in the development of common skin cancers. Early screening and detection by health care professionals is critical for the optimal prevention and management of cutaneous cancers particularly among select sun exposed US workers. The present analysis explored the prevalence of reported skin examination among US workers with access to medical care, particularly among occupations with high sun exposure.
Methods: The 1997 to 2003 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and its 2000 NHIS Cancer Control Module was used to determine the reported prevalence of receiving a skin examination among a nationally representative sample of current US workers who had visited a healthcare provider in the past 12 months. This was examined by occupation and evaluated by gender, race, and ethnicity.
Results: Among all surveyed US workers in 41 occupations, the groups with frequently high occupational exposure to UV light were less likely to have received a skin examination than the average US worker. In particular, Farm operators and managers (10%), Farm workers and other agricultural workers (6%), Forestry and fishing occupations (5%), Construction and extractive trades (7%), and Construction laborers (4%) had a decreased prevalence of skin examination, while white collar workers with less occupational UV exposure risk reported substantially increased access to skin examination (e.g., Health diagnosing professions 29%). Given that skin cancer is largely preventable, and curable if detected early, periodic skin examinations of these identified high risk worker groups is warranted.
Abstract ID#: 7047
Password: 411511
Prefered presentation format: No preference
Title: Skin Cancer Screening & Detection in US Workers: The National Health Interview Survey 1997 – 2003
Submitter's E-mail Address: acaban@med.miami.edu
Learning Objectives: Determine which US workers have a low prevalence rate of skin examinations.
Related Web Page: http://www.rsmas.miami.edu/groups/niehs/niosh/index.htm
Keywords Surveillance and research
Presenting Author
Alberto J. Caban, MPH
Research Associate
Epidemiology and Public Health
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
P.O. Box 016069 (R-669)
Miami, FL 33143
Phone Number: 786-236-2434
Email: Acaban@med.miami.edu
Education: