Marion Barnes, Senior County Extension Agent Clemson University
May is Skin Cancer Awareness month, a time to educate people about skin cancer, share the facts and save lives. The month of May is devoted to shining the spotlight in skin cancer and ways to prevent this disease. Currently, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the U.S. than all other cancers combined. People who spend time outdoors are at an increased risk of developing skin cancer. It is estimated that 9500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer each day and 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.
When ultraviolet (UV) radiation comes in contact with your skin it interacts with skin cells and can cause DNA damage. Over time, this DNA damage can lead to mutations in skin cells that turn into skin cancer. Tanning is an indication that the skin is reacting to potentially damaging UV radiation by producing extra pigmentation that provides it with some, often not enough protection against sunburn.
Excessive amounts of sun, sunburns, and the amount of sun revived over time increase the risk of developing skin cancer. Farmers and agricultural workers are at greater risk of developing skin cancer than the average American because they are exposed to 2-3 times more ultraviolet (UV) radiation than indoor workers. Most farmers work in direct sunlight often seven days a week during the sunniest times of the year making them one of the highest risk groups related to outdoor work.
The most common skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Of the three, melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, causing approximately 9000 deaths per year. It is considered highly aggressive and can pop up anywhere on the body, even areas not exposed to the sun. Having 5 or more sunburns doubles the risk of having melanoma, but if detected early the 5 year several rate is 99% according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Over the past decade (2015-2025) the number of new invasive melanoma cases diagnosed annually increased by 42% according to Cancer Facts & Figures 2025, American Cancer Society. As with any cancer, early detection and treatment increases survival rates.
Be proactive when it comes to sun safety. The following are a few tips to reduce exposure to the harmful rays of the sun and protect your skin.
- When possible limit your exposure to the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 pm, the time when the sun is most intense. Check the UV index to help you plan your day to protect your skin from sun damage. If you cannot avoid these high exposure times look for other options to protect your skin.
- Use equipment with cabs or shades that offer protection to the operator doing field work during the middle of the day
- Wear long sleeves and long pants made of moisture wicking materials. Select clothing designed for sun protection & tested for ultraviolet protection factor (UFP) to give you greater protection from the sun.
- Trade that baseball cap for a broad-brimmed hat. Baseball style caps offer little protection to the neck area and ears exposed to the sun. Choose a hat with at least a 4-inch brim for added protection.
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect you from both UVA & UVB rays with a sun protection factor (SFP) of 30 or greater to all exposed skin. Don’t forget your lips. Use an appropriate product formulated for your lips. Check with your dermatologist for assistance in choosing the right sunscreen product. Apply sunscreen every 2 hours or more often if sweating excessively.
- Wear sunglasses that provide UV protection. Wraparound styles give more protection to eyes and surrounding areas of your face. Choose sunglasses that block 100% of UVA & UVB radiation to prevent sun damage to your eyes. Sunglasses also help reduce the risk of cataracts.
- Check prescription medications to see if they increase the risk of UV damage to your skin.
- Consider making a sun safety kit to keep in every farm vehicle. Include products that will protect your skin from the sun such as sunscreen, safety/ sunglasses, lip balm, a wide brim hat, light weight gloves and other items to keep you safe in the sun.
- Check your spots! We check our crops, we check our livestock, we check the weather, but do we check our skin? Monitor moles and spots and see a doctor if you find anything changing in shape, size, color, itching or bleeding.
Understand the risk of excessive sun exposure and skin cancer. Remember, sun safety is farm safety. For more information on farm safety, contact your local Clemson Extension Office.
Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status, and is an equal opportunity employer.
