Earlier this year, the Chartered Institute of Horticulture (CIH) conducted a survey amongst horticulturists to assess the current knowledge of skin cancer of those working in the horticulture sector, and gather insights on attitudes towards sun-safe preventative measures and the barriers to their use.

“It has been humbling to hear the stories of so many horticulturists affected by all forms of skin cancer. In our self-selecting survey, 71% of respondents reported being sunburned at least once per year; preventing this through proper sun-safety is the best way we can prevent skin cancer,” said Jason Daff, Secretary, Chartered Institute of Horticulture

Over 17,000 cases of melanoma skin cancer are reported every year, according to Cancer Research UK 86% of these cases are preventable. Those working outdoors, with a high exposure to UV radiation are amongst the most at risk.

The results of the CIH survey indicate that 12% of the respondents had been diagnosed with some form of skin cancer. The survey was completed by more than 700 respondents, of which, men were almost twice as likely to have been diagnosed with skin cancer compared to women. Respondents with the palest skin tone were twice as likely to have received a skin cancer diagnosis compared to darker skin tones.

The survey reveals some promising examples of sun-safe working; women reported being much more likely to wear sunscreen regularly with 74% claiming to wear sunscreen ‘always’ or ‘most of the time’ compared to only 39% of men. However, 30% of sunscreen users reported ‘rarely’ or ‘never’ reapplying sunscreen whilst working outdoors during the day. The recommendation is to for reapplication every 2 hours to maintain maximum protection – especially as physical work is likely to result in sunscreen being removed by sweat.

Freelance horticulturist Anna Ingram, was diagnosed with malignant melanoma on her arm in 2006. Ingram required surgery to remove the melanoma and has since also had a basal cell carcinoma removed from her leg. Now cancer free, she is keen to impress on others the need to take sun-safety seriously: “Keep an eye on your skin, and if you notice any new moles get them checked straightaway. Wear factor 50 sunscreen and re-apply it regularly, particularly to places where you might be washing it off, such as your hands. I always wear a long-sleeved in the summer and wear a hat with a wide brim.”

As for employers providing sunscreen, the survey revealed a split where employers with more than 250 employees were more than twice as likely to regularly provide sunscreen for employees than smaller employers.

Key findings

12% of 718 respondents had been diagnosed with some form of skin cancer, of which, men were nearly twice as likely to have been diagnosed than women.
Skin cancer diagnosis was most prevalent in respondents that reported the fairest/palest skin tone.
A majority of respondents (71%) reported being sunburned at least once per year.
Women are much more likely to wear sunscreen regularly with 74% claiming to wear sunscreen ‘always’ or ‘most of the time’ compared to only 39% of men.
30% of sunscreen users reported ‘rarely’ or ‘never’ reapplying sunscreen whilst working outdoors during the day.
87% of respondents agreed that sunscreen should be exempt from VAT with 92% saying they would be more likely to use sunscreen regularly if it was 20% cheaper
90% would seek medical advice if worried about a mole or skin lesion. A small number were worried about being able to make a GP appointment or burdening the health service.

The month of May is Melanoma awareness month, the CIH and Plant Network are calling for horticulturists to join them in raising awareness of skin cancer and promote best practice for staying safe in the sun while working in the horticulture industry.