Cancer
Cancer caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays
Apr
Cancer caused by ultraviolet (UV) exposure is a type of cancer resulting from the effects of UV rays on skin cells. UV, also called ultraviolet radiation, is a form of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun that can damage the skin and increase the risk of developing skin cancer.
To prevent skin cancer caused by UV exposure, you can take measures such as wearing a hat when outdoors, applying sunscreen, avoiding sunbathing between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and regularly checking your skin for any unusual signs.
1. What is Ultraviolet (UV)?
Ultraviolet (UV) is a form of electromagnetic radiation with a shorter wavelength than visible light. It is divided into three main types: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C, based on wavelength and frequency.
UV-A has a wavelength of 320 to 400 nanometers and is the lowest frequency UV radiation. UV-A can penetrate deep into the skin and is associated with skin aging and conditions such as skin cancer.
UV-B has a wavelength of 280 to 320 nanometers and is medium-frequency UV radiation. It can cause sunburn and other skin diseases, including skin cancer. However, the ozone layer in Earth’s atmosphere absorbs and reduces the amount of UV-B that reaches the surface.
UV-C has a wavelength of 100 to 280 nanometers and is the highest frequency UV radiation. It is absorbed by the ozone layer and does not reach the Earth’s surface.
UV can damage skin cells and trigger premature skin aging. Therefore, protecting your skin from UV exposure is essential to prevent skin diseases such as skin cancer.
2. Occupations Exposed to UV Radiation
Occupations with UV exposure include:
- Printing industry: Offset printers, digital printers, and silk-screen printers often use UV light to cure inks and images on paper.
- Wood manufacturing: Paints, adhesives, and surface coatings in the wood industry often contain UV-reactive compounds for curing and smooth finishes.
- Electronics manufacturing: Electronic devices like microchips and electronic lamps are manufactured using UV light to cure materials and create flat surfaces.
- Pulp and paper industry: UV is used to cure protective coatings on paper surfaces.
- Automotive industry: Coatings on car parts, as well as components like headlights, are often cured using UV light.
- Adhesive and glue production: UV is used to cure adhesive and glue products.
- Personal care products: Some products like nail polish and hair dye contain UV-absorbing agents to help cure and increase durability.
3. Causes of Cancer from UV Exposure
Exposure to UV radiation can be a cause of skin cancer. UV has enough energy to penetrate deep into the epidermis and damage skin cells. Damaged skin cells may mutate, leading to tumor development.
UVB, in particular, is considered the main cause of skin cancer because it has higher energy than UVA and can penetrate deeper into the skin. Long-term UV exposure can also damage DNA in skin cells, causing mutations that may lead to cancer.
Other factors that can contribute to skin cancer include genetics, age, smoking, exposure to other carcinogens, and a weakened immune system. However, UV exposure remains one of the main causes of skin cancer, especially when there is excessive sun exposure without proper skin protection.
4. Types of Cancer from UV Exposure
UV exposure can cause various types of skin cancer, including:
- Basal cell carcinoma: This is the most common type of skin cancer caused by UV exposure, accounting for 70–80% of skin cancer cases. It develops in basal cells that produce melanin, a pigment that protects the skin from UV. Symptoms often include scars or lumps on frequently sun-exposed areas like the face, neck, arms, and legs.
- Squamous cell carcinoma: This cancer develops in deeper cells of the epidermis and can form larger tumors that spread faster than basal cell carcinoma.
- Keratinocyte carcinoma: A rarer type of skin cancer caused by UV exposure.
Additionally, UV exposure can contribute to other cancers, including eye cancer, soft tissue cancer, and lymphoma.
5. Early Symptoms of Cancer from UV Exposure
Occupational UV exposure may cause the following early warning signs:
- Sunburn: Skin exposed to UV may burn. People prone to frequent sunburn are at higher risk for skin cancer.
- Changes in moles: Existing moles may change color or shape. If you notice these changes, consult a doctor immediately.
- New lumps or growths: Any new lumps should be examined by a doctor as they may indicate skin cancer.
- Dark spots or pigmentation changes: New dark spots or patches may signal UV-related skin conditions or cancer.
Regular skin checks and protective measures, including sunglasses, long sleeves, hats, sunscreen, and avoiding peak sun hours, are crucial.
6. Treatment Methods for Cancer from UV Exposure
Treatment depends on the cancer type and stage. Common methods include:
- Surgery: Early-stage skin cancer can be removed surgically to eliminate tumors and prevent spread.
- Cryotherapy: Freezing and destroying cancer cells, used for small lesions, especially on the face or sensitive areas.
- Mohs Surgery: A technique to remove cancer layer by layer while preserving healthy skin around the tumor.
- Radiation therapy: Using radiation to kill cancer cells, especially for advanced or metastasized cases.
Using sunscreen and minimizing UV exposure in the workplace is also important for preventing skin cancer.
7. Support Policies for Cancer Patients from UV Exposure
Support policies for UV-related occupational cancer may include:
- Health insurance: Coverage for consultations, treatment, medications, and post-treatment recovery.
- Financial support: Assistance to cover treatment and recovery costs.
- Sick leave: Time off for treatment and recovery.
- Occupational protection: Workplace measures to minimize UV exposure, including protective clothing, eyewear, training, and safety protocols.
- Education and counseling: Raising awareness about UV risks and preventive measures.
8. Measures to Improve Workplace Environment to Prevent UV-Related Cancer
Preventive measures include:
- Workplace design: Place outdoor equipment and desks in shaded areas to reduce direct UV exposure.
- Protective equipment: Provide sunglasses, helmets, protective clothing, sunscreen, and skin protection products.
- Employee training on occupational safety: Educate employees on UV prevention, proper protective gear, and clothing choices.
- Monitor UV exposure: Measure radiation levels and conduct regular checks to ensure safe levels.
- Improve production processes: Use new technologies, materials, and waste management to reduce UV exposure.
- Adjust working hours: Avoid peak sun hours for outdoor tasks.
- Periodic occupational environmental monitoring to collect and analyze harmful factors and reduce occupational disease risks.
9. National Occupational Environmental Monitoring Center
Nam Viet Occupational Environmental Monitoring Center is a professional unit for monitoring and measuring occupational environment quality across all provinces in Vietnam. With an experienced team of monitoring specialists, the center uses modern equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Besides monitoring services, the center supports clients in planning, managing, and tracking occupational environment issues. With the motto “Customer First,” the center prioritizes customer satisfaction and delivers optimal solutions for businesses.
With investments in technology, equipment, and human resources, Nam Viet has become a trusted environmental monitoring provider in Ho Chi Minh City with objectives including:
- Maintaining brand reputation and service quality.
- Providing the best and most suitable services for clients.
- Leveraging experienced Masters and Engineers to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- Clients working with Nam Viet receive professional services from monitoring experts and the best cost benefits.
10. Occupational Environmental Monitoring Service Pricing
To help businesses conduct professional and effective monitoring, Nam Viet provides a detailed pricing table for occupational environmental monitoring services with high quality and reasonable cost.
- The pricing table provides detailed information on costs, including travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting. Clients can rely on the accuracy and reliability of the results.
- Nam Viet guarantees competitive and fair pricing and provides fast, professional consultation for any monitoring service inquiries.
- Clients can easily choose services that suit their needs, ensuring maximum satisfaction with professional-quality monitoring services.
