Men's skin cancer risk

Men are ignoring the risks of skin cancer, with rates of the most serious form soaring over recent years. The incidence of malignant melanoma in men has increased by 12% in six years, according to the charity Cancer Research UK.
About 6,000 people a year are now diagnosed with the disease, 2,500 of those are men.

Malignant melanoma results in 1,600 deaths in the UK each year, but experts estimate four out of five cases are preventable.

The gap between men's and women's rates of melanoma is now narrower than it has been for 25 years.

"It's disappointing to find that trends for men are following the same worrying pattern we were recording in women a decade ago "

Dr Lesley Walker, Cancer Research Campaign

Up to 80% of cases are caused by exposure to the sun. One possible reason for the rise of melanomas in men is that they tend to occur more commonly on the back, whereas in women they are often on the lower leg and more noticeable.

An increase in foreign travel and outdoor activities such as water sports might also be to blame.

The survival rate for the disease is also worse among men than women over a five-year period. However survival rates from melanomas are good if it the condition is caught early.

Cancer Research UK is launching SunSmart 2002, backed by Tesco, a campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of the sun, and the precautions people should take.

Figures for the six years up to 1998, the latest statistics available, show in comparison to the 12% increase in men over that time, rates in women increased by just 2.1%.

Women taking care
Cancer experts say women have traditionally had higher rates of malignant melanoma, probably because of the fashion for suntans.

But it appears they are starting to listen to the warnings about skin cancer, and are protecting both themselves and their children.

SunSmart tips

• Avoid the sun at its height (usually 11am-3pm)
• Take care never to burn
• Use shade wherever possible
• Take extra special care of babies' and children's delicate skin
• Wear a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection
• Cover up with tightly woven, loose fitting clothes
• Always use a broad spectrum sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) with UVA protection, even if you have a tan
• Avoid using sunbeds or tanning lamps
• Check your skin regularly and report any unusual changes without any delay

Men, however, appear not to be taking heed of the health messages. Dr Lesley Walker, director of cancer information at Cancer Research UK, said: "It's disappointing to find that trends for men are following the same worrying pattern we were recording in women a decade ago."