Ultraviolet radiation and risk of cutaneous melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma in males and females in the Norwegian Offshore Petroleum Workers cohort

Background Increased risk of cutaneous melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has been reported among petroleum workers, but few studies include females, exposure data on ultraviolet radiation (UVR), and potential confounding factors. We aimed to examine UVR exposure in relation to risk of melanoma and SCC among male and female offshore petroleum workers. We also examined the association between UVR exposure and melanoma (Breslow) thickness. Methods The Norwegian Offshore Petroleum Workers (NOPW) cohort (n = 27,917) holds information on sunbathing, indoor tanning, sunburns, sunscreen use, and other lifestyle factors recorded in 1998. Linkage to the Cancer Registry of Norway gave information on cancer diagnosis through 2017. We used Cox and logistic regression to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) of skin cancer and odds ratios (OR) of thick (>= 1 mm) melanomas, respectively, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Melanoma risk increased with increasing frequency of sunbathing after age 20 (p(trend) = 0.031), sunburn average intensity (p(trend) = 0.028), and sunscreen use (HR = 2.16; 95% CI: 1.42 -3.27 for almost always vs. never/rarely). The risk of thick melanoma was inversely associated with sunbathing frequency after age 20 (OR = 0.38; 95% CI: 0.16 - 0.90 for >= 4 weeks/year vs. 1 week/year). SCC risk increased with increasing frequency of indoor tanning after age 20 (HR = 2.72; 95% CI: 1.22 - 6.05 for >= 3 times/months vs. never), sunburn average intensity (p(trend) < 0.001), and sunscreen use (p(trend) < 0.001). Conclusions Our results support associations between UVR exposure and skin cancer risk in male and female offshore petroleum workers. This occupational group may be especially relevant for targeted sun protection advice.

Automated summary

The study found that sunbathing frequency, sunburn intensity, and sunscreen use were associated with the risk of melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma among offshore petroleum workers. Additionally, there was a negative association between sunbathing frequency and thickness of melanoma.