The Face is the Most Common Area
for Skin Cancer

Michael A. Siegel, DDS, MS, associate professor of Oral Medicine and Dermatology at the University of Baltimore, Maryland, goes further to explain that, "The most common pre-malignant skin lesions show up on the prominent parts of the face, right above the eyebrows or on the lower lip. The sun shines down and so the lower lip is one of the most common sites for skin cancer."

Dentists can play an important role in early detection of skin cancer. While most dentists routinely screen for oral cancer, including cancer of the tongue, and lymph node enlargement in the neck, many do not include a facial skin cancer evaluation in their examination. According to a recent article in the Journal of the American Dental Association, "Dentists are aware of the signs and symptoms of basal cell (carcinoma) and can recognize the disease in its early stages, during a routine head and neck examination. With early detection and treatment, basal cell (carcinoma) can be cured in many people."

Over 1.3 million people will be diagnosed with skin cancer in the U.S. this year. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer and easy to identify. Protecting yourself and those you care about is easy. The American Cancer Society has developed the, "Slip! Slop! Slap! and Wrap!" education and awareness program to remind people of the importance of sun protection.

Slip on a shirt.

A standard tee shirt offers an SPF of 6-8.

Slop on sunscreen. Don’t forget your lips.

UVA means aging. UVB means burning. Choose a sunscreen that offers protection for both UV rays. There is a new ingredient known as avobenzone or Parsol 1789 that can protect against the full UVA spectrum. Look for avobenzone in any sunscreen designed specifically for the face. Also look for the words, "Full Spectrum" rather than "Broad Spectrum". Don’t forget to choose a lip balm with sunscreen.

Slap on a hat.

Choose a hat with a brim large enough to provide coverage for the neck and ears.

Wrap on sunglasses.

The key for eye protection is a pair of wraparound shades that keep UV rays from seeping in from the sides. Look for an ASNI-280.3-1996 rating. This stamp ensures that the sunglasses block 99-100 percent of UVB rays and 95 percent of UVA rays.

Prevention is the best cure. Avoid the sun when possible. Dress appropriately, protect your eyes with wraparound sunglasses, and wear sunscreen and lip balm. And don't forget to visit your dentist twice a year. Check to make sure that your dentist makes a head and neck skin cancer screening, part of your routine oral examination. With early detection and treatment, the prognosis is usually excellent.

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