Men are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer compared to women. Yet, their use of sunscreen is much lower than women. The National Center for Health Statistics 2020 survey showed that only 12.3% of men compared to 29.0% of women ages 18+ years old always used sunscreen when outside on a sunny day for more than an hour. The lowest percentage of use was for those men aged 18–29 years (8.2%).
Key points regarding skin cancer in men:
- Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide. Men have a higher incidence of skin cancer than women. This higher incidence is partly attributed to differences in sun exposure patterns, occupation, and outdoor activities.
- Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer and it affects men more frequently than women. Additionally, men also have a higher mortality rate from melanoma. Factors such as delayed diagnosis, less frequent use of sun protection, and fewer routine skin examinations contribute to this disparity.
- Men who have a history of significant sun exposure, especially during childhood and adolescence, are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. Other risk factors include fair skin, a family history of skin cancer, and a large number of moles.
- Studies indicate that men are generally less likely to engage in sun protection behaviors compared to women. They tend to spend more time outdoors without adequate sun protection, use sunscreen less frequently, and are less likely to seek shade or wear protective clothing. Of note is that men typically experience hair thinning or loss with age making it important to protect the scalp area. Baseball caps often do not provide enough UV protection so don’t forget to apply sunscreen to the scalp area.
- Raising awareness about skin cancer risk and promoting sun-safe behaviors among men is crucial. Encouraging regular self-examinations, scheduling routine skin checks with a skin specialist, and adopting sun protection measures can help reduce the risk of skin cancer.
It’s important for both men and women to be vigilant about their skin health and practice sun safety measures. Seeking prompt medical attention if there are any suspicious skin changes or growths is important. Regular screenings and early detection are key to successful treatment of skin cancer.