Campaign Targeted Sun Safety for Farm Workers
The Skin Cancer Foundation and AgriSafe urged U.S. agricultural laborers to protect their skin from UV radiation.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Cancer
Live Poll
Do you make sun protection part of your daily routine when working outdoors?
The Skin Cancer Foundation and AgriSafe launched a new awareness initiative to address the high rates of UV exposure among agricultural workers. This campaign highlights protective measures to reduce skin cancer risk for the millions of laborers and producers operating across the United States.
Why it matters
Agricultural workers face significant occupational health risks due to prolonged time spent outdoors, making sun safety an essential part of daily health management. This effort aims to lower cancer risk by promoting consistent protective habits during high-exposure work hours.
Reported data indicates that nearly 90 percent of all skin cancers result from unprotected UV exposure, with outdoor laborers facing a 60 percent higher risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer. Meanwhile, approximately 50 percent of outdoor workers have reported experiencing at least one sunburn.
The players
The Skin Cancer Foundation
A non-profit organization focused on public education and the prevention of skin cancer through research and advocacy.
AgriSafe
A non-profit network dedicated to reducing health and safety disparities for agricultural workers and their families.
The details
Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation damages skin cells and increases cancer risk, necessitating the use of physical and chemical barriers. Workers are encouraged to wear long-sleeved clothing with a UPF of 50 or higher and apply water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher. These protections are particularly critical during peak UV index hours from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Timeline
September 21-25, 2026: National Farm Safety and Health Week
September 25, 2026: Day focused on cancer prevention
10 AM to 4 PM: Daily peak UV Index hours
Health Landscape
This campaign aligns with broader public health efforts to integrate skin cancer prevention into occupational safety standards for the U.S. agricultural sector. It follows the established priorities of National Farm Safety and Health Week to address chronic health hazards faced by laborers.
Outdoor workers should prioritize using broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher and protective clothing during peak UV hours. If you work in agriculture and notice any changes in moles or skin spots, discuss a regular skin checkup with your doctor.
The takeaway
Occupational UV exposure is a major, modifiable risk factor for skin cancer that requires diligent daily protection. Workers should aim to utilize clothing with a UPF of 50 or higher and maintain consistent sunscreen application whenever working outdoors during the middle of the day.
Further reading
For more information on reducing your risk, visit our Cancer resources.
More information
Find comprehensive prevention guidance on the The Skin Cancer Foundation website.
Live Poll
Do you make sun protection part of your daily routine when working outdoors?
