UK Study Shows Melanoma More Likely to Be Fatal to Men

Last month, a study was released in the UK which showed a 31% increase in melanoma deaths over the past decade. More men than women are dying from this form of skin cancer-with the main reason being that men fail to check out suspicious moles.

This survey was completed on 2000 men and found that more than 60% of them never checked their backs and shoulders, the most common sites of skin cancer. According to Cancer Research UK, who organized the study, ‘more than 70% of men don’t think they are at risk for skin cancer. More than 30% said they were not likely to visit the doctor even if they had noticed changes in their skin or moles.’

This trend may explain why more men die from melanoma than women: because men typically do not seek out medical care, and, therefore, are only diagnosed when the melanoma has become advanced and highly malignant.

This echoes findings in the US, which suggest that men are less likely to screen themselves for skin cancer and are also less likely to wear sunscreen when working or playing outdoors.

Regular use of sunscreen is a skin healthy habit. Encourage all the men you know to use sunscreen regularly and to check themselves regularly for any changes in skin texture or changes to moles or freckles on their bodies.

Men Ignoring Warnings About Sun Protection