NON-MELANOMA SKIN CANCER (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Recent studies have highlighted the alarming increase in non-melanoma skin cancer cases among outdoor workers, with nearly one-third of these cases resulting in fatalities, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).

• In 2019, approximately 1.6 billion people of working age (15 years and older) were exposed to solar ultraviolet radiation while working outdoors, accounting for 28 percent of all working-age people.

Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer

• About: Non-melanoma skin cancer is a common type of cancer that starts in the top layer of the skin. 
• The main types are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
• Symptoms: Growth or unusual patch on the skin
• Any part of your skin can be affected, but it's most common in areas exposed to the sun, such as the: head, face and ears, neck and shoulders, back, hands & lower legs.
• Causes: Ultraviolet (UV) light is the most common cause of non-melanoma skin cancer. It comes from the sun and is used in sunbeds.
• Treatments: Surgery is the main treatment for non-melanoma skin cancer.