Prevalence of and risk factors for actinic cheilitis in Brazilian fishermen and women

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of and risk factors for actinic cheilitis (AC) in Brazilian fishermen and women. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a representative sample (n = 210) of fishermen and women. Data related to age, skin color, cumulative and daily exposure to solar radiation, smoking, sun protection measures, and the presence of AC were collected. A Poisson regression model was created to estimate the prevalence ratio of variables. RESULTS: The prevalence of AC was 11.4% (95% confidence interval 7.8-16.4%). The disease was more prevalent in fishermen and women with fair skin and in those aged >50 years, those with cumulative exposure to solar radiation of >30 years, those with daily exposure of >4 hours, and those who did not use sunscreen. CONCLUSIONS: Brazilian fishermen and women constitute a population at risk for lip cancer. Public health programs that encourage the use of sunscreens and a lower daily exposure to solar radiation should be established.