Sun while driving linked to cancer

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) - When it's sunny and in the 70's, it's a perfect day to roll down the window and enjoy your drive, but experts say driving with the window down could increase your risk for skin cancer.

"Typically, in my office, I'll look on the left side of the body and see more sun damage on that side and it really has something to do with driving," said dermatologist Fred Quarles of Norfolk.

A new study from the University of Washington Seattle found people are more likely to develop melanoma and merkel cell carcinoma on the left side of their bodies - the side that gets more UV exposure when you're driving.

Another study out of Australia supports the finding.

Where people drive on the opposite side of the road, researchers found people were more likely to develop skin cancers on their right side.

Dr. Quarles prescribes grabbing some sunscreen before you grab the steering wheel.

"Now we're not gonna make a law like 'Click It Or Ticket' but you should put it on to protect your skin and look youthful longer," Quarles said.

He advises everyone chose a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and tinted windows for those with conditions that predispose them to sun damage.