High Rates of Skin Cancer for Frequent Drivers
07.03.2008
By Alice Julier Skin cancer is probably the last thing on your mind on a day when the roads are clear and the sun is shining. But there’s one important reason to be wary of long sunny stretches on your routes. Recent research finds that frequent drivers have higher rates of cancer than people who are not behind the wheel. Skin cancers showed up among people who spend a lot of time with their left arm or left hand and left side of the head and neck exposed. People with fair or light skin were also at greater risk. Men were more likely to develop skin melanomas than women. Driving with the windows open also increased cancer incidence. Although most sun comes from the front when driving, a significant number of the skin cancer cases in the study were found on the left arm, the back of the neck, and the back of the head.
Preventing sun exposure is an easy process. Unlike other types of cancer, doctors actually know that the cause of most skin cancer is exposure to excessive ultraviolet (UV) light.
Here are some quick and effective things drivers can do to reduce these risks:
1. Wrap around window protection. Make sure your windshield is tinted or has filters to block ultraviolet rays. Most front windshields are designed to block both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB), but side windows only filter the UVB. UVA rays are the ones that cause pre-mature aging and most forms of skin cancer.
2. Slop on the sunscreen! The American Academy of Dermatologists finds that even people who use sunscreen regularly often don’t use enough of it, re-apply it frequently enough, or use a high enough sun protection factor (SPF) to prevent burns. So, be sure to slather on generously, repeat applications every two to four hours, and use an SPF of at least 15 or 30. Be sure to apply it around your hands and ears, too!
3. Cover up. Keep a light but long sleeved shirt in your cab and wear sunglasses whenever possible. Some companies sell driving sleeves or sporty outdoor wear that is lightweight but designed with UV protection, but for most people, a regular shirt is the most convenient and economical answer.
4. Remember your head and neck. Hats are great, but it’s important not to forget about the back of your neck. Most people aren’t aware that sun exposure is also a factor in eye diseases like macular degeneration. Make sure your sunglasses are tinted with filters for both kinds of ultraviolet rays. Check to make sure your lip balm has an SPF factor.
5. When you’re out of the cab, try to stay in the shade. Avoid tanning beds and sunbathing. There are great sunless tanning products that can give you a natural tan look without the risk.
6. Get a once-over every year. The AAD recommends having your skin checked annually by a doctor or a dermatologist, especially if you notice any changes. Keep an eye out for translucent areas, asymmetrical or oddly colored spots, and sores that do not heal readily. Most dermatologists will do free skin cancer screenings.
The good news is that this is one of the most recognizable and treatable forms of cancer. For most types of skin cancer, the recovery rate is about 95%. However, like any life-threatening illness, effective treatment and long term survival depend on early detection. With good preventative measures and personal vigilance, most people can avoid problems.
For more information about free screenings, treatment, and prevention, the American Academy of Dermatologists’s website, SkinCancerNet, is an excellent resource.
 |
