More Time Driving, Higher Skin-Cancer Risk

U.S. drivers who spend a significant amount of time in their cars might have an increased risk of skin cancer, according to St. Louis researchers.

Our initial findings confirm that there is a correlation between more time spent driving and a higher incidence of left-sided skin cancers, especially on sun-exposed areas in men, said Dr. Scott Fosko of the Saint Louis University School of Medicine.

A total of 898 patients — 559 men and 339 women — with skin cancers occurring on either side of the body were included in a retrospective chart review conducted by Fosko. Of the 53 percent of left-sided skin cancers that occurred in this group of patients, nearly two-thirds were found in men.

Fosko said his team also found a statistically significant number of left-sided skin cancers on sun-exposed areas — head, neck, arms and hands — in men, but not in women. This incidence directly correlates to the areas of the body most often exposed to UV radiation while driving.

Fosko delivered the findings at the 65th annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.