Men may experience higher rates of skin cancer incidence and mortality than women, according to an article published in The Washington Post. A recent report from the Skin Cancer Foundation revealed that among the 97,610 cases of melanoma and 7,990 deaths expected from the disease in 2023, 59.5% (n = 58,120) and 67.8% (n = 5,420) of them, respectively, will be male patients. Researchers suggested that several factors may be contributing to the notable gap in how the disease affects men and women—including biological characteristics such as the lower level of antioxidant retention and estrogen production that men are capable of, as well as various behavioral risk factors. Several surveys have demonstrated that although men may receive higher levels of sun exposure, they may be less likely to be aware of the risk factors for skin cancer and less likely to apply sunscreen before going outdoors as well as more likely to believe that tans can be healthy.
Experts explained that melanoma is known for metastasizing quickly to the blood vessels, lymph nodes, and organs; however, they highlighted several precautionary steps to prevent skin cancer, such as limiting time spent outdoors and always applying sunscreen before receiving sun exposure and every 2 hours thereafter. Additionally, experts advised individuals to spend as much time in the shade as possible when outdoors, wear sun-protective clothing and sunglasses, and consult the ultraviolet index on their phones to avoid times of day when levels of ultraviolet radiation are highest. The experts also recommended that they check their skin using the ABCDE guide—which suggests that individuals look for lesions that are asymmetrical, have irregular borders, have varying colors, are 6 mm or larger in diameter, and evolving quickly—at least once per month, and visit a dermatologist as soon as an unusual, new, or changing lesion or mole is identified.