Men need to check their skin more often
Men are 70% more likely to die from malignant melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, than women, according to new figures.
This is despite similar numbers of them being diagnoses with it every year.
Some 1,300 of the 6,200 men who develop the disease each year die of it compared to 9000 of the 6,600 women, Cancer Research UK found.
Since the early 1970s, death rates in men have increased by 185% compared to 55% in women, the charity said.
Prof Julia Newton-Bishop, a Cancer Research UK dermatologist from Leeds University, said: “Research has suggested the difference between the sexes could be in part because men are more likely to be diagnosed when melanoma is at a more advanced stage.
“But there also seem to be strong biological reasons behind the differences and we’re working on research to better understand why men and women’s bodies deal with their melanomas in different ways.
“We also know men and women tend to develop melanoma in different places – more often on the back and chest for men and on the arms and legs for women.
“If melanoma does develop on your back then it may be more difficult to spot – asking your partner to check your back is a good idea.”
The charity predicts that death rates will continue to rise in men whilst remaining stable in women.
Mr Paul Banwell, Consultant Plastic Surgeon and Skin Cancer expert: “This Cancer Research UK finding confirms the importance of men needing to be more proactive in their sun protection efforts. Sadly, a 'it won't happen to me' attitude doesn't cut the mustard. It is vital that both men and women use sun protection and avoid sun burn at all costs. After all, burning your skin in the sun is one of the most sensitive future predictive factor of skin cancer formation in the future.”
Tagged in Health Skin Cancer skincare Mens Health