Men and Melanoma
- Category: Men's Health, Blog, Cancer Care, Dermatology, Internal Medicine
- Posted On:
- Written By: St. John's Health
The Connection Between Men and Melanoma
Did you know that by age 65, men are two times more likely to develop melanoma than women of the same age? With such shockingly high statistics, it is essential for me to do what they can to safeguard their skin health.
In light of Men's Health Month, the health experts at St. John’s are here to share some additional insight into why melanoma hits men harder and some tips to help minimize your risk of developing it.
Why Men Are More at Risk
When it comes to cancer, men have a higher probability of developing skin cancer than any other cancer, and the majority of skin cancer diagnoses in the United States affect men over 55. With many men spending time doing outdoor activities, it is common for melanoma to appear on the scalp and on the back of the torso.
When caught early on, melanoma has a high success rate when it comes to treatment. Unfortunately, men are less likely to have routine skin checks and perform self-skin checks than their female counterparts—leaving spots that may be a cause for concern left unnoticed and unaddressed.
How to Effectively Protect Your Skin Health
Along with checking your skin over regularly for abnormalities, there are plenty of sun safety tips you can introduce into your daily routine to reduce your risk of developing melanoma and other forms of skin cancer.
When spending time outdoors, be sure to follow these tips:
Apply sunscreen, even on cloudy days
- Make sure you have broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher
- Wear a brimmed hat
- Wear sunglasses with UV protection
- Spend a majority of your time in shaded areas
- Wear light-colored protective clothing like long sleeves and pants when possible
- Avoid direct sunlight when the sun’s rays are strongest
