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ILDS joins Global Call-to-Action to End the Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Epidemic in Outdoor Workers

Despite non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) being one of the most common occupational cancers1, its prevalence is continuing to increase and there is a lack of legislative protection to ensure adequate prevention measures, diagnosis and effective treatment. The Call-to-Action calls on policy-makers, employers, workers, patient advocacy groups and health professionals to take the following actions to address the unmet needs of NMSC patients:

Professor Lars French, President-Elect of the ILDS stated that:

Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer or more precisely keratinocyte carcinomas, the most common form of cancer, constitutes with its increasing incidence a major public health burden. Despite efforts to address skin cancer risk factors, such as inadequate sun protection and intentional tanning behaviours, skin cancer rates have continued to increase. Today we call on Governments across the world to take action and work towards the implementation of the recommendations being made by our global Call-to-Action. A coordinated response is needed so as to ensure that outdoor workers are better informed, and better protected from skin cancer risk factors such as the sun. Prof Lars French, ILDS President Elect

The ILDS continues to support and work actively on these issues with global partners including through our formal collaboration with the World Health Organization. The Summit was held at the European Association of Dermato-Oncology (EADO) Congress in Paris, France and was co-hosted by seven partner organisations: the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV), the European Association of Dermato-Oncology (EADO), the Association of European Cancer Leagues (ECL), the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS), the European Dermatology Forum (EDF), the International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH) and the European Cancer Patient Coalition (ECPC). 1 John SM, Trakatelli M, Gehring R, Finlay K, Fionda C, Wittlich M, Augustin M, Hilpert G, Barroso Dias JM, Ulrich C, Pellacani G (2016) Consensus Report: Recognizing non-melanoma skin cancer, including actinic keratosis, as an occupational disease – A Call to Action. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 30 (Suppl. 3): 38-45. Doi: 10.1111/jdv.13608

Strengthen legislation to protect outdoor workers and build accessibility for regular screenings and earlier treatments;
Increase cooperation to ensure standardised registration of NMSC;
Develop tools to monitor solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure at work;
Improve the reporting of occupational NMSC (including actinic keratosis);
Enhance collaboration between doctors, employers and patient groups to promote skin cancer prevention and better address the unmet needs of outdoor workers with NMSC, a disease which results in persisting suffering from highly chronic tumours.