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tobacco smoke, alcohol abuse, and sun raise skin cancer risk Even the most conscientious users of sunscreen for protection against skin cancer fail to cover a highly vulnerable area, the lips. Richard F. Wagner, Jr. MD, a dermatologic surgeon at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and co-author of a study published in the current issue of Dermatologic Surgery, sun exposure is a major factor in the development of lip cancer, but the public is unaware of the risks. For the study, Wagner and colleagues surveyed 299 beach goers and found that 94 percent were aware that unprotected sun exposure can damage the skin, but only seven in ten said they knew about risk factors for lip cancer. He added that since lip cancer is less prevalent than skin cancer it has received less attention, even among health care professionals. “Decreasing sun exposure, avoiding tobacco and decreasing consumption of alcoholic beverages are the best ways to prevent lip cancer,” said Wagner. “As is the case with skin cancer, sunlight plays a role in the development of many lip cancers.” More than 90 percent of lip cancers are squamous cell carcinoma, a common skin malignancy, and the lower lip is most frequently affected due to greater direct sun exposure. Wagner believes the study points to the need for more public education about the risks for lip cancer and how to protect the lips from excessive sun exposure. He added that using high and ultrahigh SPF lip blocks provide the best protection and advised that lower SPF products usually are not applied in sufficient amounts or frequency to give adequate protection. Dermatologic Surgery is the monthly medical journal of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS). The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, founded in 1970, is the largest specialty organization in the world exclusively representing dermasurgeons, board-certified physicians who are specifically trained to treat the health, function and appearance of the skin and soft tissue with both medically necessary and cosmetic procedures, using both surgical and non-surgical methods. The ASDS provides information on skin cancer, medical, and cosmetic skin procedures at www.asds.net See related articles in AgeVenture archives. Read more headline news in AgeVenture's Headline News Read more lifestyle news in AgeVenture's Lifestyle Back to Top |