We’ve often stated on this blog that Skin Cancer is an equal opportunity affliction; that it doesn’t care about your race, age or gender. That is still very true. However, regarding the latter…
While Melanoma and skin cancer indeed does not discriminate between genders, much like water it will follow the path of least resistance. And the truth is that women do a better job at educating and protecting themselves from these diseases. An article posted by skincancer.org referenced a survey that indicated barely half of American males used sunblock in a year’s time, and nearly three-quarters of U.S. men were unaware of the affliction’s easily-detectable signals.
But let’s be honest; aside from the specific numbers it cites, this study probably didn’t tell us much that we didn’t already know. And just in case you think that’s an exaggeration, an article in Health Grades spells out why.
Men Are Twice As Likely To Develop Skin Cancer In Their Lifetime
Men are twice as apt to develop skin cancer, because not only are they consistently outdoors longer than women, they’re much less likely to be wearing sunscreen when they are. And, quite unsurprisingly, men are not nearly as inclined to schedule a doctor’s appointment to either check on potential skin cancer signals, or to be screened for them.*
There’s little difference in the ability to cure skin cancer in both genders; only in the amount of the disease’s education the two genders have regarding it. The most frustrating thing about Melanoma is, while certainly a terrible disease in its more advanced stages, it’s the easiest of cancers to prevent. Going outside? Use sunscreen. Wear long-sleeved shirts. Wear long pants, wide-brimmed hats, baseball caps and sunglasses and of course bring your skin-surance… Sundicators. Stay out of the sun as much as possible between the 10a.m. and 2p.m. peak hours. If there’s natural or artificial shade such as trees and awnings, stay beneath them.
Simple Grooming Techniques Lower Men’s Risk Of Skin Cancer and Melanoma
Educate yourself. If you spot something abnormal on your skin, check it out. In its beginning stages, skin cancer is very easy to combat. A little common sense can go a very long way in sparing you from the full horror of what Melanoma can become if left untreated.
So to all men within sight of these words, or to their mates who can pass this information on to them, please do what you can to help yourselves.
*Sources: skincancer.org and healthgrades.com
Sundicators: The Best Skin-surance Under the Sun!