Skin Cancer and Health Determinants - Essay Example

SKIN CANCER AND HEALTH DETERMINANTS {Insert student’s name} {Insert university’s name} {Insert university's name] March 28, 2012 Skin cancer and health determinants Introduction Skin cancer is one of the killer diseases in Australia with high mortality rate reported to be at 1000 annually. Out of these, 30% are women while 70% are men. Prevalence of risk cancer are reported between the ages 21 and 70 years (Department of Health and Ageing, 2008).This essay outlines the health determinants associated with skin cancer with target group being Australian outdoor workers. The essay outlines the scope of the problem before grouping the health determinants into three key groups: behavioral/lifestyle, socio-ecological and biomedical. Scope of the problem Cancer prevalence in Australia has been on increase and government has spent huge sums in tackling the issue. For instance in 2005, approximately 405 people died of skin cancer and to be specific non-melanoma skin cancer. In the same year, there were about 2,347 emerging cases of melanoma type cancer with Victoria alone reporting 245 death cases (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and Australasian Association of Cancer, 2008). The report further indicated that skin cancer is mostly common in individuals who spent long hours in the sun. Skin cancer is more prevalent in the regional areas as compared to city centers by approximately 60% and the most reported type is melanoma form of cancer (Staples, Elwood, Burton,Williams, Marks, Giles ,2006). In Australia, in every 100,000, 46 people are reported to be having skin cancer in accordance with WHO 2010 report. Nonetheless, the figure is high in outdoor workers with the same report indicating that there are 100 cases in every 100,000 examined (Australia Institute of Health and Welfare, 2008). There are various determinants which have been reported to be directly linked with skin cancer; hence the following paragraphs will discuss various determinants associated with skin cancer among Australian outdoor workers. Health determinants of skin cancer Behavioral determinants Excessive exposure to sun According to Anaise, Steinitz & Ben Hur (1999) sunlight is important for the health of human beings. Australian outdoor workers are mostly exposed to sunlight for longer hours. However, the impacts of ultraviolet are both negative and positive. A study by ACRF (2010) identified risks from exposure to sunlight for lip cancer, melanoma cancer and other forms of skin cancer. Studies have indicated that exposure to excessive sun plays a crucial role in causing melanoma cancer. Another study indicated individuals who are exposed to sun for longer hours are likely to suffer from sunburn and sunburn increases the risk of having cutaneous malignant melanoma. Another study indicated that most outdoor workers do not apply sunscreen as directed, thus not protected from ultraviolet rays. In a study carried out by Staples, Elwood, Burton, et al (2006) in Southern Australia, there was an increased rate of infection despite the use of sunscreen among outdoor workers. The same study pointed out that, traditional means such as putting protective clothes and hats offer more protection than sunscreens. Every year approximately 100,000 cases of skin cancer are reported in Australia. According to WS (2010) non-melanoma skin cancer occurs at individual’s exposed body parts such as the arms, neck and head. SPIS (2009) however indicated that pigmentary risk factors are key health determinants of skin cancer. Individuals with light hair color, light skin, inability to tan after a number of exposures, tendency to freckle and light eye color are more prone to skin cancer compared to their counterparts who have black. However, the same is accelerated by the amount of sun one exposes himself or herself too. Lifestyle: clothing After one is diagnosed with skin cancer and successfully treated it is essential for the patient to alter the lifestyle so as to prevent being at risk of skin cancer reoccurring. Quantitative study carried out by AIHW (2008) in Australia indicated that individuals who have had skin cancer are more at risk of developing the disease again. Therefore, it is essential for people to reduce chances or the time in which they are exposed to the sun. outdoor workers who are more at risk of having skin cancer should put on protective clothing such as hats and long sleeved clothing so as to minimize the parts of the body that they expose to direct sunlight (AIHWAAC, 2008). Additionally according to WS (2010) regular skin examination on a monthly basis for any signs of skin cancer is a healthy lifestyle for preventing and managing skin cancer. This is because early detection of the diseases increases the chances of it being treated as compared to when the disease is discovered at later stages. SPIS (2009) pointed out that healthy behaviors or lifestyles such as healthy eating, exercising and avoiding smoking also assists in preventing or managing the disease. Nonetheless, there are few studies and evidence how the aforementioned factors contribute towards lowering the chances of having skin cancer especially among Australian outdoor workers (ACRF, 2010). Biomedical factors Skin pigmentation According to study carried out by Holman & Armstrong (2000) among Australia outdoor workers, skin color plays a key role in determining the effects of ultraviolet radiation such as sunburn and erythema. According to McKenzie, Neiger& Smeltzer (2009) individuals who are light skinned need approximately three to five times less ultraviolet radiation so as to induce erythema as compared to their counterparts who are dark skinned. Furthermore, research has showed that melanin plays an essential role in protecting individuals against skin cancer. The aforementioned was evident in a study carried out in Australia to determine the role of melanin in preventing or protecting individuals from skin cancer especially outdoor workers. According to WS (2010) pigmentation variation affects the level of skin cancer on individuals, especially those exposed to sunlight for longer hours. However, epidemiologic evidence from a number of countries is not only consistent but also shows that there is difference between the non-white and the white in melanoma incidences. A study carried out by among Australian outdoor workers pointed out that white races were prone to skin cancer as compared to their non-white counterparts. Holman & Armstrong (2000) in their study further illustrated that increased pigmentation over protection to individuals from acute effects of ultraviolet rays to exposed body parts Socio-ecological factors Occupation and industry A study carried out by ARPANSA (2006) on the role of industry and occupation using ever employed outdoor workers in Australia versus employed indoor workers indicated that melanoma is closely related to occupation or industry. The findings indicated that, there were increased risks of melanoma in woodworkers, farmers, surveyors, engineers and other outdoor workers (WS, 2010). Socioeconomic status Another study in Australia using a definite descriptive review on occupation and industry on cases of skin cancer, the findings indicated that outdoor workers in the upper social classes were prone to cancer risks than their counterparts who belong to the lower class. Other socioeconomic factors such as education level and lack of insurance which is common in most of the outdoor works influences ones knowledge on the type of skin they are diagnosed with. Another study pointed out that individuals who have lower educational levels are likely not to go for screening as compared to those who have attained higher levels of education (CCA, 2010). Using quantitative research method in his study ARPANSA (2006) pointed out that out that level of education inhibits an individual’s awareness on the measures to be taken in reducing future risks of skin cancer. For instance reports indicate that in 2002, 80% of all cancer cases in Australia were skin cancer. In 2005, 405 deaths as a result of non-melanoma skin cancer were reported with 129 being females and 276 being males. Additionally 82 out of the reported number were Victorians. However, 50 of cases remained undiagnosed due to insufficient knowledge (ACRF, 2010). Conclusion From the aforementioned elements, it is evident that skin cancer is prevalent in Australia and health determinants contribute to the same in one way of the other. The essay has outlined skin cancer health determinants such as lifestyle, skin pigmentation, industry and occupation, and excessive exposure with target group being Australian outdoor workers (Moodie & Hulme, 2006). Lifestyle such as type of clothing that one puts on during sunny days can make one be at risk of having risk cancer. The aspect of pig pigmentation is another health determinant which put individuals at risk of having skin cancer. Occupation and industry also contribute to the risks of having skin cancer, for instance individuals who are involved in door are at less risk of having skin cancer as compared to their counterparts who work outdoor and are exposed to sunlight making them to be at risk of getting skin cancer. Therefore, in order to reduce the prevalence rate, future developed programs need to put the highlighted aspects in this particular project into consideration. People need to protect their body from excessive sunlight in order to reduce the risks of contracting skin cancer. Reference: Anaise, D., Steinitz, R., & Ben Hur, N. (1999). Solar radiation: A possible etiological factor in malignant melanoma in Israel: A retrospective study (1998-1999). Cancer 42:299-304 Australian Cancer Research Foundation [ACRF]. (2010). On Cancer. Retrieved from http://www.acrf.com.au/on-cancer/ Australia Institute of Health and Welfare [AIHW]. (2008). Cancer Survival and Prevalence in Australia: Cancers Diagnosed from 1982 to 2004. Retrieved from http://www.environment.gov.au/soe/2006/publications/drs/indicator/32/index.htm l Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency [ARPANSA]. (2006). Occupational Exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation. Retrieved from http://www.arpansa.gov.au/pubs/rps/rps12.pdf Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and Australasian Association of Cancer Registries, Cancer in Australia, an overview 2008, Canberra, 2008. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Non-melanoma skin cancer: general practice consultations, hospitalisation and mortality. Canberra, 2008. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and Australasian Association of Cancer[AIHWAAC] (2008). Registries, Australian cancer incidence and mortality workbooks. Canberra. Cancer Council Australia [CCA]. (2010). About Skin Cancer. Retrieved from http://www.cancer.org.au/cancersmartlifestyle/SunSmart/Aboutskincancer.htm Department of Health and Ageing [DoHA]. (2008). Key Statistics of Incidence and Mortality of Skin Cancer in Australia. Retrieved from http://www.health.gov.au/internet/skincancer/publishing.nsf/Content/fact-2 Holman, C.D.J., & Armstrong, B.K. (2000). Pigmentary traits, ethnic origin, benign nevi, and family history as risk factors for cutaneous malignant melanoma. JNCI 72:257-266 Keleher, H., MacDougall, C., Murphy, B. (2007). Understanding health promotion. South Melbourne. Australia: Oxford University Press. McKenzie, J. F., Neiger, B. I., & Smeltzer, J. L. (2009). Planning, implementing and evaluating health promotion programs, a primer. San Francicso: Pearson Education Inc. Moodie, R,.& Hulme. A. (eds).(2006) Hands-on health promotion. Melourne, Australia: IP communications. Skin Patrol Industry Statistics [SPIS]. (2009). Skin Cancer in the Workplace. Retrieved from http://www.skinpatrol.com.au/news.php Staples M, Elwood M, Burton R, et al (2006) Non-melanoma skin cancer in Australia: the 2002 national survey and trends since 1985. Medical Journal of Australia. 184 (1): 6-10. WorkSafe ACT [WS]. (2010). SunSafe Guide to Working Ourdoors. Retrieved from http://cdn.justice.act.gov.au/resources/uploads/Worksafe/Publications/Handbooks/WSACT_HB_0046_-_Sun_Safety_for_Outdoor_Workers.pdf Read More