SKIN CANCER RISK IN WATER SPORTS PARTICIPANTS: ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION EXPOSURE AND PHOTOPROTECTIVE BEHAVIORS IN THE CONTEXT OF CHALLENGES AND PREVENTIVE STRATEGIES – A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Weronika Martynowska; Alicja  Graczyk; Michał Hajt; Dastin Misiaszek; Anna Wolszczak; Jakub Motor; Piotr Ciecierski; Natalia Grabowska; Paulina Turzyńska; Mateusz Martynowski

doi:10.31435/ijitss.3(51).2026.5810

Authors

Weronika Martynowska Prof. W. Orłowski Independent Public Clinical Hospital of the Medical Centre of Postgraduate Education, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6403-6926
Alicja Graczyk Ks. J. Popieluszko Bielanski Hospital in Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-8684-0846
Michał Hajt University Clinical Center of the Medical University of Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-6558-0902
Dastin Misiaszek University Clinical Center of the Medical University of Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6932-9515
Anna Wolszczak Prof. W. Orłowski Independent Public Clinical Hospital of the Medical Centre of Postgraduate Education, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-7348-1185
Jakub Motor Medical University of Lodz, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3769-0101
Piotr Ciecierski District Medical Center in Grójec, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-7225-7918
Natalia Grabowska Specialized Provincial Hospital in Ciechanów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-9797-4416
Paulina Turzyńska University Clinical Centre: Gdansk, Pomerania, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-4072-8213
Mateusz Martynowski Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-4767-2391

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.3(51).2026.5810

Keywords:

Skin Cancer, Melanoma, Water Sports, Ultraviolet Radiation, Photoprotection, Albedo

Abstract

Background: Water sports create a unique "high-exposure trap," significantly increasing the risk of melanoma (MSC) and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) due to intense ambient UV radiation and surface reflectance.

Objective: To evaluate specific risk factors and analyze the mechanical, physiological, and behavioral barriers to effective photoprotection in maritime environments.

Methods: A narrative review of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (February 2026) focusing on UVR exposure and protective behaviors in aquatic athletes.

Results: Participants face synergistic UVR doses from direct solar radiation and surface albedo (up to 25%). Diagnosis of early damage is often hindered by the cooling effects of water/wind, which mask erythema. Standard photoprotection frequently fails due to sunscreen wash-off, chemical conjunctivitis, and thermoregulatory constraints of clothing. Professional athletes exhibit a higher incidence of field cancerization and a significant "knowledge-behavior gap" compared to recreational users.

Conclusion: Generic guidelines are inadequate for the maritime setting. Specialized protocols are required, including friction-resistant sunscreen formulations and optimized UPF 50+ apparel. Mandatory dermatological screening and targeted education are essential to mitigate oncological morbidity in this high-risk population.

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