Unraveling the Connection between Occupation, Sun Exposure, and Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Cross-Sectional, Single Center Study
Keywords:
BCC, Risk factors, Sun exposure, Occupational riskAbstract
Background: Prolonged sun exposure is a major risk factor for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) due to cumulative UV-induced DNA damage. Studies have shown that outdoor workers face a significantly higher likelihood of developing BCC, with the risk further amplified by inadequate protective measures. Objectives: This study investigates the impact of sun exposure duration and occupational risk on BCC at Dr. Moewardi General Hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2024 involving 78 subjects meeting the inclusion criteria. They were allocated study into two groups, BCC and non-BCC groups. Occupational risk was assessed by type of work, length of work, use of protective equipment, and duration of sun exposure. Sun exposure was expressed in hours/day, p value <0.05 was statistically significant. Results: There were 32 subjects with BCC and 46 subjects non-BCC. Our analysis obtained that occupational risk in the form of outdoor work type (p = 0.001; OR = 4.85), length of work > 20 years (p = 0.005; OR = 3.81), and use of protective equipment (p = 0.032; OR = 2.74) were associated with the incidence of BCC. The duration of sunlight exposure in the BCC group was found to be longer, at 5.31 hours/day than the non-BCC group, 2.78 hours/day (p <0.001). The ROC curve obtained the cutoff point of sun exposure duration of 3.5 hours / day (p <0.001; OR = 10.12). Conclusion: Daily sun exposure of 3.5 hours or more, outdoor work, and length of work >20 years, and not using protective equipment during work effect on the development of BCC.References
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