(Medical Xpress)—According to research conducted by Cancer Research UK and the University of Leeds, 3.4 men per 100,000 die from malignant melanoma each year in the UK, compared with 2.0 women. But incidence rates are similar with 17.2 men per 100,000 diagnosed compared with 17.3 women.
This means that, of the 6,200 men who develop melanoma each year, 1,300 die from the disease, while 900 of the 6,600 women who develop it die.
The gap is predicted to widen in the future, with death rates from malignant melanoma on the increase in men but remaining stable for women.
Professor Julia Newton-Bishop from the University of Leeds said: "Research has suggested the difference between the sexes could be in part because men are more likely to be diagnosed when melanoma is at a more advanced stage. But there also seem to be strong biological reasons behind the differences and we're working on research to better understand why men and women's bodies deal with their melanomas in different ways.
"We also know that men and women tend to develop melanoma in different places – more often on the back and chest for men and on the arms and legs for women. If melanoma does develop on your back then it may be more difficult to spot – asking your partner to check your back is a good idea."
Sara Hiom, director of early diagnosis at Cancer Research UK, said: "One of the reasons for the difference may be attitudes towards seeing a doctor. We tend to be reluctant to 'waste the doctor's time' - men are especially likely to put it off.
"If something goes wrong with the car then you sort it out straight away. The same should go for you – if you, or your partner, notice any unusual or persistent changes then see your GP. The key thing is to get to know your skin and what's normal for you so you're more likely to notice something out of the ordinary.
"It's also essential to take care not to burn, particularly given the sunny weather we've had this summer. Sunburn is a clear sign that the DNA in your skin cells has been damaged and, over time, this can lead to skin cancer. When the sun is strong, pop on a t-shirt, spend some time in the shade and use a sunscreen with at least SPF15 and good UVA protection – the higher the star rating, the better.
"These habits are particularly important for young men and women, because it's far better to prevent skin cancer in the first place. That means avoiding sunbeds, as well as taking care in the sun. Research has shown that using sunbeds for the first time before 35 can increase your risk of malignant melanoma by nearly 60%."
Since the early 70s, male death rates in men have risen by 185% compared to a rise of only 55% in women.
The key risk factors for melanoma include excessive exposure to UV from sunlight or sunbeds, pale skin colour and a high number of moles, and a family or personal history of the disease.
Explore further: Eight in 10 now survive skin cancer
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© Medical Xpress 2011-2013, Phys.org network
(Medical Xpress)—According to research conducted by Cancer Research UK and the University of Leeds, 3.4 men per 100,000 die from malignant melanoma each year in the UK, compared with 2.0 women. But incidence rates are similar with 17.2 men per 100,000 diagnosed compared with 17.3 women.
This means that, of the 6,200 men who develop melanoma each year, 1,300 die from the disease, while 900 of the 6,600 women who develop it die.
The gap is predicted to widen in the future, with death rates from malignant melanoma on the increase in men but remaining stable for women.
Professor Julia Newton-Bishop from the University of Leeds said: "Research has suggested the difference between the sexes could be in part because men are more likely to be diagnosed when melanoma is at a more advanced stage. But there also seem to be strong biological reasons behind the differences and we're working on research to better understand why men and women's bodies deal with their melanomas in different ways.
"We also know that men and women tend to develop melanoma in different places – more often on the back and chest for men and on the arms and legs for women. If melanoma does develop on your back then it may be more difficult to spot – asking your partner to check your back is a good idea."
Sara Hiom, director of early diagnosis at Cancer Research UK, said: "One of the reasons for the difference may be attitudes towards seeing a doctor. We tend to be reluctant to 'waste the doctor's time' - men are especially likely to put it off.
"If something goes wrong with the car then you sort it out straight away. The same should go for you – if you, or your partner, notice any unusual or persistent changes then see your GP. The key thing is to get to know your skin and what's normal for you so you're more likely to notice something out of the ordinary.
"It's also essential to take care not to burn, particularly given the sunny weather we've had this summer. Sunburn is a clear sign that the DNA in your skin cells has been damaged and, over time, this can lead to skin cancer. When the sun is strong, pop on a t-shirt, spend some time in the shade and use a sunscreen with at least SPF15 and good UVA protection – the higher the star rating, the better.
"These habits are particularly important for young men and women, because it's far better to prevent skin cancer in the first place. That means avoiding sunbeds, as well as taking care in the sun. Research has shown that using sunbeds for the first time before 35 can increase your risk of malignant melanoma by nearly 60%."
Since the early 70s, male death rates in men have risen by 185% compared to a rise of only 55% in women.
The key risk factors for melanoma include excessive exposure to UV from sunlight or sunbeds, pale skin colour and a high number of moles, and a family or personal history of the disease.
Explore further: Eight in 10 now survive skin cancer
Medical Xpress on facebook
Related Stories
Eight in 10 now survive skin cancer
Jul 22, 2013
(Medical Xpress)—More than eight out of 10 people diagnosed with malignant melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, will now survive the disease, compared to only around five in 10 in the early 70s, according to ...
AAD: Older men should screen themselves for skin cancer
Mar 01, 2013
(HealthDay)—Men aged 50 years or older are more likely to be diagnosed with invasive melanoma by a dermatologist than to detect it themselves; and they are less likely to seek a skin cancer screening due ...
Researchers observe an increased risk of cancer in people with history of non-melanoma skin cancer
Apr 23, 2013
A prospective study by researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) observed an association between risk of second primary cancer and history of non-melanoma skin cancer in white men and women.
Sunburn rife as men skimp on sunscreen
Aug 29, 2011
(Medical Xpress) -- Nearly 90 per cent of British adults admit their skin has been sunburnt – with almost half experiencing pain as result of being in the sun.
Melanoma a big threat to older men
May 18, 2012
(HealthDay) -- Older men have an increased risk of developing melanoma, but most are careless about sun protection and do not know how to properly check themselves for signs of skin cancer, a new survey reveals.
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User comments
© Medical Xpress 2011-2013, Phys.org network
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