Preventing Skin Cancer for Outdoor Workers

Outdoor workers face a higher risk of skin cancer due to prolonged sun exposure. While job safety often focuses on other personal protective equipment, skin protection is equally important. According to the National Skin Cancer Association, more than two people die every hour in the United States from skin cancer. Prevention starts with understanding how skin cancer develops — and the steps you can take to reduce your risk.

Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common forms of skin cancer and are usually curable if detected early. They most often appear on the scalp, face, ears, and neck. Melanoma is less common but far more dangerous because it can spread quickly to other parts of the body.

Know the ABCDEs of early melanoma detection:

• Asymmetry: One half of a mole or lesion doesn’t match the other.

• Border: Edges are irregular, notched, or blurred.

• Color: Several colors appear, such as brown, white, blue, black, or red.

• Diameter: The mole or lesion is larger than a pencil eraser.

• Evolving: Changes in size, shape, color, or other characteristics over time.

Skin cancer can be prevented by seeking shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m.–4 p.m.), wearing protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, wide-brimmed hats, wraparound sunglasses, and applying sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) every two hours. Annual skin screenings with a dermatologist are also key to early detection.

The CIS Benefits medical plans administered by Kaiser and Regence include annual skin screenings at no cost to you. Additionally, employees enrolled in a CIS Benefits medical plan with Regence or Kaiser can access BeyondWell, the CIS wellness platform, which provides a $30 reward for completing preventive exams. This means you can earn money back for participating in your annual screening.

CIS is committed to helping our members stay healthier and safer. When working outdoors, make skin protection part of your daily routine to lower your risk of skin cancer.