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05/25: Keep lips sun safe this summer
Dental focus on lip cancer during Sun Awareness Week
Vancouver, BC – Don’t forget to protect your lips from the sun this summer—repeated sun exposure can increase the risk of lip cancer. The BC Cancer Agency’s Oral Cancer Prevention Program has joined forces with the Canadian Dental Association and the Canadian Dermatology Association's Sun Awareness Program in the fight against lip cancer during this year’s Sun Awareness Week, May 29 to June 4.
Squamous cell carcinoma, the most common form of lip cancer, can occur at any age but is most often found in individuals over 50 years of age. Men are at greater risk than women as are those who are fair skinned, work outdoors or sunbathe frequently.
John Collison, an avid outdoorsman, will always remember his 31st wedding anniversary in August 2002. It was the day he had surgery to remove a squamous cell growth on his lower lip and returned home with 28 stitches and plenty of discomfort. As John often says, “It was like driving over a speed bump—it got my attention.” A change was needed and a change has been made over the past four years. “I’ve moved from being a loser (loss of some of my lip) to a user—a user of 30 SPF sunscreen, a hat and shade,” said John. “And the good news is that I’m still enjoying many outdoor activities.”
Lip cancer can take many years to develop. Dentists, because they see patients on a regular basis, are in an excellent position to monitor lip changes and provide important lip protection advice.
“The lip is a particularly vulnerable area often missed with the application of conventional sunscreens,” said Dr. Michele Williams, a dentist at the BC Cancer Agency and lead member of the BC Oral Cancer Prevention Program. “Dentists have a unique opportunity to be sun awareness and protection advocates for patients of all ages.”
To keep your lips sun safe year round, follow these tips:
• Use lip balm containing sunscreen with at least a 15, preferably 30, sun protection factor (SPF)
• Dry lips before applying sunscreen and apply 30 minutes ahead of sun exposure
• Re-apply sunscreen after swimming, following vigorous activity or if outside for long periods
• Clouds do not block UV radiation; lips need protection year round, especially on the water or ski slopes
• Limit sun exposure between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm when the sun's rays are strongest
• Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds
Anyone with a sore or lump on the lip that does not heal or disappear should check with their dentist or doctor as soon as possible.
Lip cancer can also be seen in people with other forms of skin cancer. Dr. Jason Rivers from the Canadian Dermatology Association reminds people of the importance of periodically checking skin on the entire body. “Look for unusual spots that look different from others. A spot or lesion that changes in size, shape or colour out of step with other spots should be checked by your doctor,” said Dr. Rivers.
For further information:
Nicole Adams
Director, Public Relations
604.877.6272
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