Wisconsin Ag Connection - Skin Cancer Research Findings Published in Journal of Agromedicine

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Skin Cancer Research Findings Published in Journal of Agromedicine
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 05/26/2015

Marshfield Clinic researchers have identified unique characteristics of farmers that can assist providers in caring for them and also guide development of skin cancer awareness, prevention and screening initiatives. Dermatologists Alexandra Carley, M.D., and Erik Stratman, M.D., used data collected during skin cancer screening conducted at the 2011 Wisconsin Farm Technology Days near Marshfield. That's where a total of 476 people participated in the study, including 194 farmers.

The participants were surveyed for self-reported sun protection use, sun exposure, and skin cancer and sun protection beliefs and knowledge. Results are published in the current issue of the Journal of Agromedicine.

The study found that only 23-percent of farmers who reported using sunscreen used it always or frequently when out in the sun for at least 15 minutes. About a third of the farmers and 22 percent of non-farmers were referred for additional evaluation due to identification of a concerning lesion at the screening event.

"Farmers have high levels of sun exposure and increased risk of skin cancer," Dr. Carley said. "Although most farmers understand their risk and believe sun-protective behaviors reduce skin cancer risk, most do not routinely use adequate sun protection. Our goal was to identify factors that distinguish the farming population from the non-farming population."

The screening was sponsored and organized by the National Farm Medicine Center, Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation. The Farm Center also edits the Journal.

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