According to the American Farm Bureau Foundation, farmers have a lower overall cancer rate than the general population. The National Cancer Institute conducted an “agricultural health study”. It began in 1993 and continued until just recently. The study concluded that farmers in many countries, including the United States, have lower overall death rates and cancer rates than the general population. This is due primarily to lower smoking rates among farmers and a very active lifestyle.
The research also showed, that rates for certain types of cancer are higher in agricultural workers. Leukemia, non-hodgkin lymphoma and skin cancer are some examples. There is cause to believe that an increased exposure to UV rays as well as environmental elements may be the cause of an increase in skin cancer among farmers. The CDC says that overexposure to ultraviolet radiation is the primary cause of most skin cancers. Ag workers who spend most of their time outdoors, may be at increased risk. A recent study showed that the use of sunscreen and shade seeking was low in AG workers, however, wearing protective clothing was significantly higher among AG workers than any other occupation. The CDC encourages the use of wide brimmed hats, long sleeved shirts and long pants to the ankles.
