A recent online survey, conducted by On The Tools and SIG Roofing, involving over 100 active roofers, has revealed alarming findings.
The results of the survery underscore the need for training to reduce skin cancer cases in this high-risk, male-dominated profession.
The survey showed that:
The survey was conducted by SIG Roofing in partnership with SKCIN, a national charity specialising in the prevention and early detection of skin cancer through bespoke educational solutions. The purpose of the survey was to gauge the extent of the issue among the business' roofing customers, and it enlisted the help of On The Tools and its social media channels.
The survey sample was representative of UK roofers, with 98% of respondants being male, and over 75% stating they have worked outdoors for more than 15 years, putting them in a very high-risk group for skin cancer.
Alarmingly, 28% of the respondents reported suffering from sunburn more than 20 times due to working outdoors. Additionally, 28% admitted that applying sunscreen was too much effort.
SIG Roofing says that it is evident that more education is needed regarding the damaging effects of UV radiation, and the importance of using combined sun protection, including applying a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) sunscreen regularly.
Sunburn is strongly linked to the development of melanoma, the most serious, life-threatening form of skin cancer. But it is not just sunburn that increases the risk of skin cancer. Even tanning of the skin (a habit of 60% of respondents) is a clear risk of sun damage. UV damage is cumulative and irreparable, and is responsible for 90% of the UK’s most commonly diagnosed cancer.
Kathryn Clifford, Co-Founder of SKCIN, commented: "The results may be alarming, but they do not surprise me." She explained that this was the reason the charity developed the national Sun Safe Workplaces accreditation and training programme for employers of outdoor workers, and why SIG Roofing signed up to raise awareness at scale through their 100+ branch network.
She added: "Prevention is better than cure, however for many working across the industry, it is clear that damage is already done. Where prevention fails, the early detection and diagnosis of skin cancer can significantly improve patient outcomes and ultimately save lives.
"With almost half (48%) of respondents unaware of how to check their skin for signs and symptoms of skin cancer, this further validates the need for educational intervention. The Sun Safe Workplaces training programme also educates outdoor workers on this vital element of awareness, giving them the knowledge and confidence to recognise changes that could indicate the early warning signs and the importance of getting checked out as soon as possible by their GP.”
SIG Roofing is currently using the Sun Safe Workplaces training programme to educate its branch staff on sun-safe practices, as well as how to recognise the early signs of skin cancer and the importance of conducting regular self-examinations.
SIG Roofing account managers can provide access for their customers to an online training package. All SIG Roofing branches will also have sunscreen stations dispensing SPF30+ sunscreen, free for staff and customers to use, by the end of June.
Skin cancer is now the most common cancer in the UK, and outdoor workers are on average at 60% greater risk. It is the UK’s fastest-rising cancer and one that is rising at twice the rate in men as in women, with men reportedly 69% more likely to die from the disease.
Annually, there are over 230,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer, and 17,500 cases of melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) diagnosed. Statistics also reveal that it is killing more people here than in Australia, which is known as the UV hotspot of the world.
Up to 90% of skin cancers are preventable by adopting simple sun-safe habits. Skin cancer is the only cancer we can physically see developing in its early stages, and if detected, diagnosed and treated early enough, almost all cases are curable.
Learning about the risks associated with UV exposure, how to prevent skin cancer, and how to spot early signs and symptoms is therefore critical. It is this awareness and education, particularly in men, and particularly in jobs regularly exposed to direct sun, that made it a perfect charity partnership for SIG Roofing.
