Aim of the study
The purpose of the project is to assess the health effects of exposure to ultraviolet radiation at population level.
Implementation
The project is performed in the Epidemiology laboratory in the Research and Environmental Surveillance department at STUK in collaboration with other organizations. The two projects carried out in collaboration with Pirkanmaa Cancer Society (PCS).
The incidence of melanoma is analysed in relation to various UVR exposures. The UVR exposure (clothing coverage) is assessed from summer milieu photographs from 1920 to 1995. Also other exposures (sunscreen sales, the amount of yearly holiday days of working population and the amount of sunny resort holiday flights) are collected. The study has been published (Kojo et al. Environ Res 2006). The reliability and validity of bioimpedance measurement device D300 in the assessment of cumulative UVR exposure was evaluated (Kojo et al. Arch Dermatol Res 2008). Skin bioimpedance was not highly correlated with reported UVR exposure or skin or skin elastin content. The device did not appear useful for retrospective assessment of UVR exposure.
In collaboration with Pirkanmaa Cancer Society (PCS) the effect of examination of skin changes by nurses has been evaluated. In the retrospective study, more than 10,000 visit in 1991-2000 were evaluated (Oivanen et al. Prev Med 2008). Scheduled visits involved a more thorough examination of the skin than mass campaigns and resulted in more frequent referrals for further evaluation. They also resulted more commonly in detection of a skin cancer, even though larger number of benign lesions were also found. In the prospective study, the impact of information provided by the nurse during the examination on UVR-related behaviour was assessed. No changes in skin burns, use of sun screen or solaria occurred after the skin examination compared with baseline. Oral information given by a nurse does not appear effective in prevention of skin cancer.
Dissemination and exploitation of results
The results contribute to improvement of the UVR exposure assessment methods as well as the evaluation of early detection of skin cancers.
Collaborators
School of Public Health, Tampere University; Finnish Cancer Registry; Pirkanmaa Cancer Society; Delfin Technologies; Department of Oncology, Kuopio University Hospital; Department of Applied Physics, University of Kuopio; Department of Dermatology, University of Oulu; Department of Dermatology, University of Turku; University of Art and Design and Department of Oncology, University of Tampere, all in Finland
Responsible scientist
Anssi Auvinen
Publications
Kojo K, Jansen CT, Nybom P, Huurto L, Laihia J, Ilus T, Auvinen A. Population exposure to ultraviolet radiation in Finland 1920 - 1995: exposure trends and a time series-analysis of exposure and cutaneous melanoma incidence. Environ Res 2006;101:123-131
Kojo K, Lahtinen T, Oikarinen A, Oivanen T, Artama M, Pastila R, Auvinen A. Reliability and validity of a bioimpedance measurement device in the assessment of UVR damage to the skin. Arch Dermatol Res 2008;300:253-261
Oivanen T, Kojo K, Pylkkänen L, Holli K, Auvinen A. Early detection of skin cancer as public health policy: Comparison of campaign and routine activity. Prev Med 2008;46:160-165
