BACKGROUND: The damaging effects of ultraviolet light (UVL) on the skin and the importance of using photoprotective sunscreen and other sun-protective measures are well recognized by beachgoers. However, it is currently unknown if UVL is well recognized as a modifiable risk factor for lip cancer and if photoprotective lipblock and sunscreen are used to the same extent in this setting. OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of UVL lip protection and knowledge about the role of UVL as a risk factor for lip cancer in a high-risk outdoor environment. METHOD: Anonymous questionnaire given to a convenience sample of beachgoers on Galveston Island, Texas, beaches during the summer. RESULTS: There were 299 survey responses. Subjects using sunscreen to protect their skin were also more likely to use UVL lip protection (p = .0002). Excluding the use of cosmetic lipsticks, women were still more likely to use UVL lip protection than men (p = .0008). Tobacco users were less likely to use lip protection than nontobacco users (p = .03). Survey respondents demonstrated much greater knowledge about UVL damage to skin than about the risk factors for lip cancer (p < .0001). CONCLUSION: More public education focused on UVL lip protection from UVL is needed.
BACKGROUND: The damaging effects of ultraviolet light (UVL) on the skin and the importance of using photoprotective sunscreen and other sun-protective measures are well recognized by beachgoers. However, it is currently unknown if UVL is well recognized as a modifiable risk factor for lip cancer and if photoprotective lipblock and sunscreen are used to the same extent in this setting. OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of UVL lip protection and knowledge about the role of UVL as a risk factor for lip cancer in a high-risk outdoor environment. METHOD: Anonymous questionnaire given to a convenience sample of beachgoers on Galveston Island, Texas, beaches during the summer. RESULTS: There were 299 survey responses. Subjects using sunscreen to protect their skin were also more likely to use UVL lip protection (p = .0002). Excluding the use of cosmetic lipsticks, women were still more likely to use UVL lip protection than men (p = .0008). Tobacco users were less likely to use lip protection than nontobacco users (p = .03). Survey respondents demonstrated much greater knowledge about UVL damage to skin than about the risk factors for lip cancer (p < .0001). CONCLUSION: More public education focused on UVL lip protection from UVL is needed.