MAY 30, 2022 3:00 AM PDT
Risk of Skin Cancer in the US Military
WRITTEN BY: Katie Kokolus
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. Skin cancer comes in many forms, including melanoma and non-melanoma types like basal cell carcinoma. Last week, in our article to kick off Memorial Day weekend, we discussed some of the differences between these cancers and their prognoses. Today, as we celebrate Memorial Day, we will explore what is known about skin cancer in members of the military and veterans.
Most skin cancers are basal or squamous cell skin cancer. These cancers have very low mortality rates as less than 2,000 people in the United States die per year from these cancers combined. Melanoma, an invasive form of skin cancer, typically requires more robust treatment than other skin cancers. Overall, melanoma has over a 90% survival rate; however, the stage at diagnosis largely influences prognosis.
People in certain professions experience a significant amount of exposure to the sun in their job. Individuals with outdoor jobs, such as postal and construction workers, are at an elevated risk of skin cancer. You may expect active or veteran members of the United States military also to have an occupational risk of skin cancer. Indeed, two studies comparing white active duty military personnel and the general US population found an increased rate of melanoma in those in the military. These studies also identified members of the US Air Force at higher risk of melanoma than those serving in other branches.
https://www.labroots.com/trending/cancer/22868/risk-skin-cancer-military
