WSJ Article: Skin Cancer Research
05-14-2013, 08:42 AM
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WSJ Article: Skin Cancer Research
Skin Cancer, Driving and Men
By ANN LUKITS
Malignant skin cancers develop in different areas of the head and neck in men and women. The reason may simply be because men are often the drivers of a car, while women are more often the passengers, according to a study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.
Up to 20% of aggressive skin cancers called melanomas occur on the head and neck, which are exposed to greater amounts of ultraviolet radiation than other parts of the body. But few studies have compared gender differences in the distribution of these cancers, the researchers said.
The study analyzed 279 head-and-neck melanomas diagnosed in 121 men and 158 women in their early 70s from the Champagne-Ardenne region of France, between 2004 and 2009. About half of the cancers were invasive, or had spread beyond the initial site.
The data revealed two distinct patterns. In men, 57% of melanomas were located in the peripheral area of the head and neck, which included the scalp, forehead, temple, ears and neck, while 43% developed on the eyelids, nose, cheeks, chin and mouth, or the central area. In women, 79% of melanomas developed in the central area and 21% in the peripheral area. Peripheral cancers were more common on the left side in men and on the right side in women, and tended to be invasive, researchers said.
Men spend more time driving than women and are often the principal driver, researchers said, which may explain the asymmetrical distribution of melanomas. The peripheral area is particularly exposed to UV radiation while traveling in a car, although longer hair on women appears to provide some protection, they said.
Caveat: Effects of hairstyle on head-and-neck cancers weren't assessed. Exposure to UV radiation in cars varies with glass type.
Title: Sex-Related Location of Head and Neck Melanoma Strongly Argues for a Major Role of Sun Exposure in Cars and Photoprotection by Hair
By ANN LUKITS
Malignant skin cancers develop in different areas of the head and neck in men and women. The reason may simply be because men are often the drivers of a car, while women are more often the passengers, according to a study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.
Up to 20% of aggressive skin cancers called melanomas occur on the head and neck, which are exposed to greater amounts of ultraviolet radiation than other parts of the body. But few studies have compared gender differences in the distribution of these cancers, the researchers said.
The study analyzed 279 head-and-neck melanomas diagnosed in 121 men and 158 women in their early 70s from the Champagne-Ardenne region of France, between 2004 and 2009. About half of the cancers were invasive, or had spread beyond the initial site.
The data revealed two distinct patterns. In men, 57% of melanomas were located in the peripheral area of the head and neck, which included the scalp, forehead, temple, ears and neck, while 43% developed on the eyelids, nose, cheeks, chin and mouth, or the central area. In women, 79% of melanomas developed in the central area and 21% in the peripheral area. Peripheral cancers were more common on the left side in men and on the right side in women, and tended to be invasive, researchers said.
Men spend more time driving than women and are often the principal driver, researchers said, which may explain the asymmetrical distribution of melanomas. The peripheral area is particularly exposed to UV radiation while traveling in a car, although longer hair on women appears to provide some protection, they said.
Caveat: Effects of hairstyle on head-and-neck cancers weren't assessed. Exposure to UV radiation in cars varies with glass type.
Title: Sex-Related Location of Head and Neck Melanoma Strongly Argues for a Major Role of Sun Exposure in Cars and Photoprotection by Hair
05-14-2013, 03:18 PM
#2
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FWIW this is a very real threat for pilots. My uncle (now retired from 121) had skin cancer a few years prior to retirement. He was very lucky it was caught early, but he was still down for a year and had to have very expensive tests annually for a special issuance.
Sun screen folks.
Sun screen folks.
05-15-2013, 10:11 AM
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Sun screen, yes.
But unless you fly with the window open, glass blocks UV-B which is known to cause cancer. Glass allows some UV-A to get through, but UV-A has not been shown to cause cancer, although it is certainly a suspected culprit in skin aging and will cause short-term fatigue and immune suppression if you get enough.
Just because a pilot gets skin cancer does not mean it came from flying...pilots tend to like outdoor activities, and have more time to spend hiking, biking, running, swimming, boating, etc.
But for piston pilots, plexiglass doesn't block much of anything. Go full sunblock and dress just like you're outdoors...because you are.
But unless you fly with the window open, glass blocks UV-B which is known to cause cancer. Glass allows some UV-A to get through, but UV-A has not been shown to cause cancer, although it is certainly a suspected culprit in skin aging and will cause short-term fatigue and immune suppression if you get enough.
Just because a pilot gets skin cancer does not mean it came from flying...pilots tend to like outdoor activities, and have more time to spend hiking, biking, running, swimming, boating, etc.
But for piston pilots, plexiglass doesn't block much of anything. Go full sunblock and dress just like you're outdoors...because you are.
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