In the Know: Lip Service Needed
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Lip Service Needed!
When applying sunscreen, don’t forget to slather some on your grin. Your lips—especially the lower one—are susceptible to lip cancer.
Each year 5,000 cases of lip cancer are diagnosed in the U.S., and people who live in warm climates and get lots of sun are at especially high risk, says Paul M. Harari, MD, professor and chairman of the department of Human Oncology at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Lip cancer symptoms include bleeding sores that fail to heal, severe peeling and flaking, and/or a lump on the surface of the lip that lingers for two weeks or more.
Your doctor or dentist can check for lip cancer by visually examining your lips and mouth, and doing a “finger sweep” of the mouth to check for bleeding, lumps, and other abnormalities. To find a free oral screening program in your area, visit www.ohancaw.com, and click on “Find a Screening Location” at the top right of your screen.
3 ways to shield your kisser:
• Don’t spend more than 45 minutes a day in the sun, and avoid it completely between 10 am and 4 pm.
• Wear sunscreen or moisturizer that contains at least 30 SPF and/or apply an emollient lip balm or lipstick with SPF protection.
• Don a wide-brimmed hat or visor, or sit under an umbrella when you’re outdoors.
—Dana Gottesman
Living with Cancer
Update: July 6, 2010
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