Service members are at risk of skin damage resulting in sunburn, and later possible skin cancer, and eye damage from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) sunlight exposure. Especially in areas where there are reflective surfaces such as sand or snow, personnel can develop snow blindness, a brief painful swelling of the eye.
According to the National Cancer Institute
of the NIH, skin cancers are among the top five forms of cancer experienced in the United States. The risks are highest among white males over 50 years of age, the average age being 65 years.
The damage caused by UV radiation builds over time, so more frequent exposures during a lifetime will increase the risk of developing skin cancer. Evidence also suggests that shorter intermittent periods of high-intensity exposures – such as during military deployments to areas of intense sunlight – may be especially dangerous. So while skin cancer may not be a concern during a service member's active-duty years, that is when some most serious sun exposures may occur.
A scientific review published in the
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (Jun 2018) identified “an abundance of evidence for an increased risk for skin cancer development among U.S. veteran populations."
The review concluded that for many service members who had worked in high-UV-exposure environments, sun protection had not been a priority. Immediate operational and combat safety concerns took precedence. Findings also noted the inability to avoid peak sunlight hours during missions; continued exposure to highly reflective surfaces, such as sand; little to no emphasis on sun protection; and limited access to sunscreen.
Are certain personnel at greater risk of developing cancer?
Personal characteristics that may increase risk include:
- Being light-skinned
- Having had a serious blistering sunburn or multiple sunburns in the past
- Having prior personal diagnosis of skin cancer or a family member who has had skin cancer previously (genetics).
Also, men are at potentially higher risk because they use sunscreen less, are less likely to have their skin checked, and may experience longer exposure durations while participating in outdoor recreational and occupational activities.
How can you reduce your exposure to UV rays?
Tips for military personnel are listed further below, but in general primary actions to reduce overall UV exposures include:
- Never using tanning beds.
- Minimizing exposure to intense outdoor UV radiation by exercising indoors or exercising in the early morning or late evening.
- Wearing clothing as a barrier to skin exposed to sunlight.
- Wearing hats (ideally wide-brimmed).
- Wearing sunglasses.
- Regularly using sunscreen with SPF 30 or above and reapplying it at least every 2 hours or after the skin has been wet. Apply sunscreen to exposed areas such as your face, neck, hands, and arms. Remember that UV exposure can be from reflective surfaces, such as snow, water, and sand; and, UV rays can reach you on cloudy days, too.
Should you seek annual medical skin screening for skin cancer?
The U.S. Preventive Medicine Task Force does not consider annual medical skin cancer screening examinations necessary for all adults, but since some U.S. military personnel have been found to have higher rates of skin cancer than civilians, service members with additional risk factors should talk about their skin health with their healthcare provider. This is especially important if you notice a new or changing mole or unusual spot on the skin.
Is skin cancer treatable?
With early detection, skin cancers can be treated. The Veterans Administration offers tips on what to look for and when to seek medical attention.
__________________________________________________________
From: Soldiers not immune to damage of sun's ray (Jul 2022)
__________________________________________________________
Additional tips for active-duty military to reduce UV exposures:
1. Use sunscreen
