Disparities of Cutaneous Malignancies in the US Military

Abstract

Occupational sun exposure is a well-known risk factor for the development of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), especially among US military personnel who may have inadequate access to sun protection, are located in geographic regions with increased sun exposure, and work with potential carcinogens. Herein, we describe a case of a military service member who developed skin cancer at an early age potentially due to occupational sun exposure. We also provide a review of the literature to examine the risk factors and incidence of melanoma and NMSC in US military personnel and veterans, as well as provide recommendations for skin cancer prevention, screening, and intervention in the military population.