Male skin cancer deaths on the up

Added 01/06/2010

Blue sky and clouds

According to a recent study, the number of skin cancer deaths in men has doubled over the last 30 years. The malignant melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer, and the increase in male deaths is troubling.

The malignant melanoma is a preventable disease if it is caught in the early stages. There has also been an increase in the number of women contracting the disease, but the number of skin cancer deaths is still greater in men.

The higher number of skin cancer deaths in men suggest that they aren’t as quick to report the disease to their doctor when symptoms arise. Treating a malignant melanoma successfully lies in diagnosing the disease early. So even though more women are contracting the disease, more men are dying from it.

In the 1970s, 400 men in every 100,000 who suffered a malignant melanoma died from the disease, but now, 1,100 per 100,000 die. Men should familiarise themselves with the importance of staying safe in the sun to prevent further skin cancer deaths.

Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart campaign highlights the importance of staying safe in the sun to prevent skin cancer. Wear sunscreen with a minimum factor of 15 and remember that using sunscreen doesn’t mean you can stay out in the sun for long hours. Avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm, seek shade, and wear a tee-shirt and hat to protect your skin.

If you notice any unusual moles or a change in shape and colour to an existing mole, report it to your doctor immediately. A visit to your doctor could save your life. And if you are going on holiday, particularly to a hot country, don’t forget your sunscreen and sunhat.

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