Lip Cancer Risks High: Public Awareness Strikingly Low

In a recent study of beach-goers, only 47 percent of respondents said they used UV lip protection. Richard Wagner, MD, a lead researcher on the University of Texas study, says UV light can cause as much damage to the lips as it can to the skin .

To protect your pout:
-Use lip products with an SPF 30 or higher.
-Options abound, from Shiseido's high end Sun Protection Lip Treatment SPF 36, $19 at Sephora.com, to Banana Boat Aloe Vera with Vitamin E Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF30, $1.79 at drugstore.com.
-Avoid petroleum jelly, high shine lip gloss and baby oil (on your lips or anywhere else) when you're in the sun; they attracts UV light and can intensify damage to your lips.
-For any new growth or bleeding on your lips, see a dermatologist, pronto!