Skin Cancer Rates Linked to Driving

People who spend a lot of time driving their cars have a higher incidence of left-sided skin cancer, according to Dr. Scott Fosko, professor and chairman of dermatology at St. Louis School of Medicine in St. Louis, Mo. Dr. Fosko discussed his findings at the 65^th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology in Washington D.C., held February 2-6, 2007.

Initial findings from Dr. Fosko's study indicate that there is a correlation between more time spent driving and a higher incidence of left-sided skin cancers, especially on sun-exposed areas of men.

Dr. Fosko and his researchers looked at the charts of nearly 900 patients seen at their university-based clinic. Of the 53 percent of left-sided skin cancers that occurred in this group, nearly two-thirds were found in men compared to approximately one-third in women.

More of the left-sided skin cancers were on sun-exposed areas, such as the head, neck, arms and hands, in men, but not women. These areas of the body are most often exposed to UV radiation while driving.

As of January 2007, the research team had collected 70 completed questionnaires evaluating the driving habits of the patients. Initial tabulations show a direct link between more time spent in a car and a higher incidence of left-sided skin cancers. All drivers who occasionally drive with the windows open had a higher incidence of left-sided skin cancers.

Windshields are typically made of the type of glass that filter UVB rays and the more more harmful UVA rays. However, side windows usually only block UVB rays.

If you drive a lot, consider tinting your automobile's glass or using UV filters on windows. Also always apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher on sun-exposed areas.

Skin cancer is the most prevalent of all types of caners with more than 1 million new cases a year. Sun exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer. If skin cancer is detected early, patients have a better than 95 percent five-year cure rate.

The American Academy of Dermatology encourages everyone to give themselves self-examinations to become familiar with blemishes, moles and birthmarks on their bodies. It's important to note if any lesions change shape or color over time.

If you notice any suspicious lesion, it's important to get examined by a dermatologist. Anyone with a known risk factor for skin cancer - if you have a family history of skin cancer, a personal history of blistering sunburns, or have very fair skin, for example - you should be examined regularly by a dermatologist.

For more about the prevention and diagnosis of skin cancer, visit the American Academy of Dermatology's online skin cancer information resource, SkinCancerNet (www.skincarephysicians.com/skincancernet).

Sources:

American Academy of Dermatology, "New Study Finds Time Spent Driving An Automobile May Increase Skin Cancer Risk," released at the 65^th Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., February 2-6, 2007, (http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2007/aad020107/downloads/fosko_left-side_skin_cancer.pdf)

American Academy of Dermatology's online skin cancer information resource, SkinCancerNet (www.skincarephysicians.com/skincancernet)