Skin Cancer in Rural Workers in Brazil: Influence of Ultraviolet Radiation, Skin Color and Regional Factors.

BACKGROUND: This study analyzed the incidence of skin cancer among rural workers in Brazil, considering the influence of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, skin color, and regional factors. METHODS: Data from the National Cancer Institute (2008-2022) on skin cancer were used, using historical series of the Ultraviolet Index (UVI) obtained via satellite and cross-referenced with population information obtained from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. RESULTS: Between 2008 and 2022, Brazil recorded 81,378 cases of skin cancer related to rural workers, with an average incidence rate of 318.23 cases per 100,000. The UVI is high in the North and North-East regions of the country, but the highest rate of skin cancer occurs in the South, where 73% of the population is white and the UVI is lower. Correlation and regression analyses revealed that the UVI, the proportion of white people, and the percentage of rural workers significantly influence the skin cancer rate. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that approximately 28% of a rural worker's risk of developing skin cancer may be related to the interaction between biological and environmental factors and that prevention and sun protection strategies should take into account demographic and regional variability.