'Don't gloss it over': Skin cancer prevention at work. A pilot project as part of workplace health promotion

摘要

Background. In Germany about 234,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer annually. Despite the introduction of a skin cancer screening and broad educational campaigns the increasing number of new cases is challenging the sustainability of public health ed: ucation on skin cancer.Methods. In 2009 the cancer society NRW organized on behalf of the Regional Tax Office Rhineland (Rheinland OFD) a number of information sessions on skin cancer and its potential prevention and early detection as part of workplace health promotion. The lectures were given by specialists in the departments of the Regional Tax Office Rhineland during working hours.Objective. The objective was to motivate the staff to participate in skin cancer screening. The results were evaluated by means of a digital questionnaire. Another objective was to assess the feasibility of the chosen event design. Results. Approximately 5,000 staff members attended 132 information sessions over a period of nine months. 43.0% of the participants answering the questionnaire intended to protect their skin against UV radiation more than before. 92.9% considered a regular skin check. A change in behavior was apparent in solarium visitors. Forty-two percentage of the respondents indicated to have attended a skin cancer screening following the event. For 35 % the result of the screening was positive with 4% showing a malignant lesion.Conclusion. Uniform events for skin cancer prevention as part of workplace health promotion are practicable. An off-site coordinator proves to be essential. Due to the short duration of the project sustainability statements can be made for half a year only. A change in behavior is reflected in handling the risk factor of artificial UV radiation. Also sensitivity towards the prevention in the form of an informed decision on the (non-)participation in skin cancer is increased.