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Veterans health associations want to make ex-service people aware of the need to prevent and watch for skin cancer, with good reason.
There are medical reasons to be concerned about skin cancer, such as previous incidence, family history, or immune system disfunction. Awareness and regular checkups matter in those cases, as they do for other groups.
Service personnel are often outdoor focused and can be deployed to places with high sun levels. Sunscreen is not often used, or other practices which may be fine on holiday but not feasible during active service.
Increased risk will vary according to role, with military pilots seeing double the normal melanoma rate, longer service infantry not far behind.
Police officers and firefighters may be subject to above average sun levels, along with less common risks. They could be exposed to aerosolised carcinogenic particles when fighting fires, which along with wider cancers, can increase skin cancer rates.
Those groups are often forgotten when we think of additional exposure but they should be aware of heightened risk, along with others who spend time in the sun.
Outdoor Workers
Farming, or construction staff are traditionally seen as our outdoor workers, although there are many more. The vets and architects who work alongside them, gardeners, or tree surgeons and recreational staff.
People who drive for long hours are at risk, car windows stop part of harmful rays but not all, a wound down window not at all. Seeing a truck driver with one side of their face, or one arm weathered is not rare and the damage can go beyond wrinkles.
There will be additional groups and for all of them, awareness of skin cancer risk is important. None us can change past actions, when we may not have been aware but this is not a reason to neglect future opportunity.
Avoiding Accumulation
Assuming that the damage is done, so there’s no point being wise after the event is not a good plan. Sun damage collects throughout a lifetime of exposure, adding more harm to already over exposed areas makes a difference.
Past exposure is an additional reason to take care, by using good quality sunscreen, protective clothing, a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and ample use of shade. Also an opportunity to show younger family members how they can protect themselves.
The sun can be a pleasure for all of us but being safe makes sense, as does being aware of unexpected skin changes. The point in the video on the value of early treatment can not be overstated, the greatest aid to prompt recovery.
Seeking Support
Our clinic offers a range of skin cancer screening options. If you are in an at risk group, a professional check at least once a year makes sense.
Checking your own skin regularly is equally important. There is a self-checking guide on our website which may help.
If you find an unexplained irregularity, please arrange to see a dermatologist as soon as you can. A clinic with skin cancer experience and suitable equipment for a prompt diagnosis will tend to be a good choice.
If there is another explanation, this will be welcome. Where there is a more significant problem they will be able to offer the skin cancer treatment you need.