Don’t Forget Your Lips!

As awareness of skin cancer has increased, many people are more consistent with their sunscreen application and general sun protection.  However, were you aware that applying lip balm with sun protection factor (SPF) is also an important step in a good sun protection regimen?

A recent study in JAMA Dermatology confirms data from previous studies indicating that the lip is a very dangerous site for squamous cell cancers from the sun.  Squamous cell carcinomas of the lip vermillion have  a 5-fold higher risk of metastasizing to the lymph nodes compared to squamous cell carcinomas of nearby skin (the area referred to as the cutaneous lip in medical literature).

The most effective way to prevent squamous cell carcinoma and other skin cancers is sun protection, so the next time you head outdoors and rub in your sunscreen, remember to apply your SPF lip balm too!