Occupational differences in standardized mortality ratios for non-melanotic skin cancer and melanoma in exposed areas among individuals with Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to identify subpopulations vulnerable to skin cancer by occupations, among individuals with Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV.

Methods: Data were retrieved from the national mortality registry of Korean National Statistical Office (KNSO) from 1993 to 2012, including all medical certificates of death written and confirmed by physicians. Medical certificates of death from 1993 to 2012 were obtained from the national mortality registry of Korean National Statistical Office. These completed medical certificates are verified by the Korean Ministry of Government Administration and Home Affairs and formatted using 103 main and 236 specific causes of death as recommended by the World Health Organization. We calculated direct standardized mortality rate and standardized mortality ratio (SMR) using the indirect standardization method. The entire population as reflected in the 2005 national census was used as a reference population.

Results: Of 594 deaths from skin cancer, 227 (38.2%) were from non-melanotic skin cancer (NMSC) and 367 (61.8%) from cutaneous melanoma (CM). Compared to office workers, agriculture/fishery/forestry workers had significantly higher SMRs for NMSC in men [SMR: 461, 95% confidential interval (CI): 329-583] and women (SMR: 575, 95% CI: 317-864). SMR was also increased in men who worked in exposed area (SMR of NMSC:553, 95% CI:222-1018, SMR of CM:453, 95% CI: 133-1009).

Conclusion: This is the first Asian study to suggest that agriculture/fishery/forestry workers have increased SMRs for NMSC and CM in exposed areas. Early diagnosis of skin cancer in this group is important.