If you like to drive with the windows down on a sunny day, this report might change your habits. According to a study by the University of Washington in Seattle, more people in the U.S. are developing skin cancer on the left side of their body, which happens to endure more sun exposure during road trips.
More specifically, researchers found that two types of skin cancers – melanoma and Merkel cell – appeared up to 53 percent of the time on the left side of the body. On the upper arms, 55 percent of Merkel cell carcinomas developed on the left side.
Other research supports the idea that sun exposure while driving can contribute to cancer. In Australia, where people drive on the opposite side of the road, a 1986 study found that men were more likely to show precancerous growths on the right side of their body.
While these conclusions sound alarming, you must know that the latest study didn't take into account the driving habits of those surveyed, including whether or not they kept their windows down and arm outside.
Car windows do offer some protection, blocking most UVB rays. However, one of the co-authors of the study, Dr. Paul Nghiem, said that UVA rays, while less intense, penetrate glass and can still cause damage to the skin over the years.
Keeping your windows up most of the time looks to be a good way to prevent skin cancer, as highlighted by a separate study from 2003, but if your car doesn't have air conditioning, remember that sunblock lotion can protect you no matter where you sit!
Source : USA Today
More specifically, researchers found that two types of skin cancers – melanoma and Merkel cell – appeared up to 53 percent of the time on the left side of the body. On the upper arms, 55 percent of Merkel cell carcinomas developed on the left side.
Other research supports the idea that sun exposure while driving can contribute to cancer. In Australia, where people drive on the opposite side of the road, a 1986 study found that men were more likely to show precancerous growths on the right side of their body.
While these conclusions sound alarming, you must know that the latest study didn't take into account the driving habits of those surveyed, including whether or not they kept their windows down and arm outside.
Car windows do offer some protection, blocking most UVB rays. However, one of the co-authors of the study, Dr. Paul Nghiem, said that UVA rays, while less intense, penetrate glass and can still cause damage to the skin over the years.
Keeping your windows up most of the time looks to be a good way to prevent skin cancer, as highlighted by a separate study from 2003, but if your car doesn't have air conditioning, remember that sunblock lotion can protect you no matter where you sit!
Source : USA Today