Skin cancer is deadly for men but doesn’t need to be, as they are more likely than women to develop and die from it. Learn how men can protect their skin and their life. Knowledge is power, so please share this information with the men you care about.
One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70, and a disproportionate number are men. This is especially true with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Melanoma is fast-growing and can be fatal if it spreads into blood vessels, lymph nodes and organs. Consider:
Skin cancer is EASILY preventable and is 99% curable if caught early. Men, you can dramatically reduce skin cancer risk by wearing sunscreen, practicing safe sun habits year-round, performing monthly skin self-exams, and seeing a dermatologist for an annual skin exam. The first step is learning about skin cancer and the dangers of the sun:
Daily sunscreen use reduces melanoma risk by 50%. Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher sunscreen on exposed skin, including your ears, fifteen minutes before going outdoors. Reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming or sweating. Adults need approximately one ounce (a shot glass) for adequate coverage. Wear sunscreen even on cloudy days or if you’re in the shade. Shop.PinnacleSkin.com offers clear, non-greasy formulas.
Sunscreen does not block all UV rays, so cover up with protective clothing, if possible, especially if you work outdoors. Wear a lightweight long-sleeved shirt, pants, wide-brimmed hat and wraparound UVA/UVB sunglasses. Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) clothing provides additional protection.
Stay in the shade as much as possible, especially when the sun’s rays are strongest (between 10 am and 2 pm). If your shadow is shorter than you, it’s time to get out of the sun. Use caution near water, snow and sand, as they reflect the sun and may increase your chance of sunburn. It is important to practice safe sun habits year-round.
Monthly skin self-exams help men notice changes in their skin and find skin cancer early when it is treatable. Check your skin for anything new, changing or unusual. Examine blemishes and moles for the skin cancer ABCDEs:
It helps to ask a loved one to check hard-to-see areas where melanoma is likely to occur, such as on the back, ears and scalp. Involving your partner can make self-exams fun and even something to look forward to. Read our blog for easy instructions on how to do a quick self-exam.
If you have a spot or mole that is new or different from others or changes, itches or bleeds, see a dermatologist as soon as possible to get it checked. Do NOT ignore any skin changes or areas that aren’t healing. We would rather reassure you that you’re fine than discover a melanoma too late.
In addition to self-exams, see a Pinnacle Dermatology provider for a yearly Total Body Skin Exam. Screenings help us find early signs of skin cancer when it is highly treatable. During this potentially life-saving exam, we check your skin from head to toe and note issues that require monitoring or closer examination. Sometimes skin cancers resemble seemingly normal skin or benign conditions like warts, scars or pimples, so having an expert look for subtle signs brings peace of mind. Schedule your annual exam today.
Source for statistics: The Skin Cancer Foundation
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