NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) -- Drivers who spend a significant amount of time behind the wheel face a greater risk of developing skin cancer on the left side of the body, according to new U.S. research.

Dermatologist Dr. Scott Fosko, chairman of dermatology at Saint Louis University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, led a study examining the incidence of left-side skin cancers in U.S. patients and driving trends of adults.

"Our initial findings confirm that there is a correlation between more time spent driving and a higher incidence of left-sided skin cancers, especially on sun-exposed areas in men," Fosko said in a statement.

In a presentation to the 65th annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology, Fosko said the study involved 898 patients -- 559 men and 339 women. Nearly two-thirds, or 64 percent, of left-side cancers were found in men compared with about one-third, or 36 percent, in women.

Fosko noted that his team also found a statistically significant number of left-side skin cancers on sun-exposed areas such as the head, neck, arms and hands in men, but not in women. "This incidence directly correlates to the areas of the body most often exposed to UV radiation while driving," he said,

He said initial data showed that people under age 70 who consistently spent the most time per week driving a car were more likely to develop skin cancers on their left sides.

"We're also finding that all drivers who occasionally drive with the windows open had a higher incidence of left-sided skin cancers. Light skin complexion and more driving time also increased the risk for forming skin cancers on the left side," he said.

Fosko said he expected this trend to become more pronounced with more cars on the road and more women driving to work and family activities. “I wouldn't be surprised if we see higher reports of left-sided skin cancers in women in the future -- gradually closing the gender gap that now exists," he said.