8th June 2010 - More men dying from preventable skin cancer
Men are being urged to look after their skin by Cancer Research UK after they found that twice as many men are dying from malignant melanoma now than in the 1970s.
The death rate in men from this kind of skin cancer has risen from fewer than 400 (1.5 per 100,000) a year to over 1,100 (3.1 per 100,000) in 30 years.
This is most notable in the over-65 age bracket, where deaths have risen from 4.5 per 100,000 to 15.2 per 100,000.
Whilst more women are diagnosed with malignant melanoma and the death rate has also risen slightly for females, men still make up the majority of those dying from the disease.
It is possible to prevent this type of skin cancer by taking steps to stay safe in the sun and it can be treated if caught early.
A spokesperson for Cancer Research UK said: “Too often men leave it up to their partners or mothers to remind them to use sunscreen or cover up with a shirt and hat, and even to visit the doctor about a worrying mole.
“It’s crucial that people go to their doctor as soon as they notice any unusual changes to their skin or moles – the earlier the cancer is diagnosed the easier it will be to treat.”
Reducing UV exposure
Reducing UV exposure is the key to reducing rates of malignant melanoma and this can be achieved by following basic sun protection guidelines.
- Stay out of the sun between 11 and 4
- Use sun lotion that protects from both UVA & UVB rays
- Apply sun lotion generously (30ml per application) and every 2 hours
- Wear UV protective clothing and sunglasses
- Use UV protective lip balm
Green People’s sun care products offer broad-spectrum (UVA & UVB) protection in line with the latest EU recommendations.
This year a new moisturiser for men that includes UV protection was introduced in the Organic Homme range. The Skin Guard Face Defence Lotion offers SFP15 protection and has the added benefit of being certified organic by EcoCert and the Organic Food Federation.
See the SPF15 Skin Guard Face Defence Lotion now.