Skin Cancer Foundation urges sun safety for agricultural workers

The Skin Cancer Foundation and AgriSafe are urging outdoor workers to prioritize sun safety and early skin cancer detection during National Farm Safety and Health Week 2026, held from September 21 to 25. The initiative highlights UV exposure as a significant occupational hazard for approximately 2.9 million farm laborers and 3.4 million producers in the United States.

Research from the World Health Organization and the International Labour Organization indicates that outdoor UV radiation exposure increases the risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer by 60 percent. Deborah S. Sarnoff, MD, president of The Skin Cancer Foundation, noted that unprotected UV exposure is responsible for nearly 90 percent of all skin cancers, emphasizing that cumulative damage significantly raises long-term risks.

In the U.S., about 50 percent of outdoor workers have reported experiencing sunburn. Health advocates are calling on employers to educate their workforce regarding the dangers of sun exposure and to support sun-safe practices in the workplace.