Public policies, State and prevention of skin cancer related to occupational exposure: an integrative review

Currently, skin cancer is the most common among all cancer types. Despite its high incidence, the topic is rarely discussed, as few cases result in death. The aim of the current study is to describe public policies and the role of the State in ensuring care and preventing skin cancer related to occupational exposure. This is an integrative review conducted between May and July 2024 in the Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (LILACS), MEDLINE/PubMed, and Cochrane electronic databases. The search strategy employed in the databases used the following English-language descriptors, recognized by the Health Sciences Descriptors system: ("skin neoplasms" OR "melanoma" OR "basal cell carcinoma" OR "squamous cell carcinoma") AND ("health policy" OR "labor legislation" OR "human rights") AND ("ultraviolet rays" OR "occupational exposure"). Twenty articles were selected, with most studies (n = 12) discussing the role of public policies in the context of skin cancer in workers exposed to radiation. Although there have been advances in workplace sun safety policies, gaps remain in their effectiveness, and it is necessary to invest in training, communication, and international references to improve them.