Abstract
BackgroundSkin cancer is the most common cancer in the USA. Therefore, it is important to review the contribution of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure to skin cancer in individuals with the highest risk. Documenting the relationship between outdoor sports solar ultraviolet exposure and their risk of skin cancer along with appropriate risk mitigation strategies can help inform clinicians of practical information for counseling sun protective behaviors in this population.MethodsWe conducted a review of the current evidence using PubMed to answer the following research questions: (1) How is ultraviolet radiation measured? (2) What is the modern utility of the ultraviolet index in modifying recreational sun protection behaviors? (3) What is the risk of developing skin cancer for outdoor sport participants? (4) What is the prevalence of skin cancer in sport participants? and (5) Is the number of nevi and solar lentigines elevated in outdoor sport participants?ResultsBased on the literature, individuals who practice outdoor sport-related activities receive high ultraviolet radiation exposure, have a high risk for skin cancer, have a high prevalence for pigmented lesions, and may benefit from electronic sun protection educational interventions.ConclusionsIndividuals who practice outdoor sports experience substantially higher ultraviolet radiation exposure, routinely exceed the recommended exposure limits, and are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. Therefore, those who are frequently engaged in outdoor leisure activities should be coached about efficient sun protective practices and relevant mobile technologies that may facilitate adherence.
Highlights
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the USA
We conducted a systematic review of current literature to evaluate the risk of developing skin cancer guided by the following research questions: 1) How is personal ultraviolet radiation (UVR) measured? 2) What is the modern utility of the ultraviolet index in modifying recreational sun protection behaviors? 3) What is the risk of developing skin cancer for outdoor sport participants? 4) What is the prevalence of skin cancer in sport participants? 5) Is the number of nevi and solar lentigines elevated in sport participants?
Accurate measurements of ambient doses can be performed by calibrated broad band radiometers or spectroradiometers [76]
Summary
It is important to review the contribution of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure to skin cancer in individuals with the highest risk. According to 2012 estimations, the number of patients diagnosed annually with non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) approaches 3.3 million, representing a 50% increase from 2006 [2, 3]. The WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer reports an age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) of all skin cancers at 68.1 per 100,000 persons in the USA. Elsewhere, such as Australia and New Zealand, the ASR is even higher at 181.1 and 176.1 skin cancers, respectively [5]
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