Working in an office can be a contributing risk factor for skin cancer, according to a new report.
Of course, jobs that are based in the outdoors -- like an agriculture worker or lifeguard -- seem to have a higher skin cancer risk associated with them but, in reality, office workers are at higher risk for melanoma, experts say.
New research indicates that people exposed to intense but short bursts of sun have higher incidents of melanoma, according to a report in InStyle.
"Melanoma occurs when people are exposed to bursts of sun," Dr. Darrell Rigel, medical director at Schweiger Dermatology, told InStyle. "For those who are indoors all week, that burst of sun on the weekends could be dangerous."
Melanoma is on the rise, according to Better Medicine. Global changes like a depleting ozone layer, more outdoor time and genetic predisposition may account for the increase in melanoma. Scientists and health experts are not completely sure why skin cancer is increasing.
it is the infrequent beach-goer -- the "9-to-5" office worker -- who is more likely to develop melanoma.
Rigel said another reason the office clerk rather than the surfer has a higher chance of getting melanoma is because typically the infrequent sunbather forgets their sunscreen.
As beach-lovers pack their gear, they know sunscreen is a staple. For the infrequent visitor, he or she may forget the importance of using a cover-up to prevent sunburn, or to apply sunscreen before and during their visit to sunny climes.
The Skin Cancer Foundation has words of advice: Don't get burned.
The group recommends pacing yourself to avoid sunburn. It's important not to get sunburned because sunburn has a cumulative effect that leads to increased cancer cells. The cancers that develop from accumulated sunburns are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Melanoma is the result of brief intense sun exposure, thus the plight of the office worker and his or her increased chances for cancer. In the meantime, when you do go to the beach, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a few common-sense suggestions.
-- Apply an ounce of sunscreen all over before going outside.
-- Cover up with a hat, clothing and sun glasses.
-- See your doctor every year for a skin examination.
-- Avoid excess tanning.
