Men Skin Cancer
At one time, skin cancer was more likely to be a woman’s disease. Although, many more women sunbath than men. Women worry more about how they look and trying to be eye-catching they will spend more time sunbathing and tanning. A least that’s what everyone thought. Recent studies are showing some surprising results when it comes to skin cancer rates and who’s affected.
Rise in the Rates of Men Skin Cancer
The rates of men developing skin cancer are rising gradually. They have risen by twelve percent in the last six years. The rise for women has only been two percent over the same period of time. With men the skin cancer is frequently found on their backs, a tricky place to see changes if you’re not looking for them. Men are less likely to do a self-examination and so less likely to find these abnormal moles.
Exposure to Sun is the Main Reason for Men Skin Cancer
Another reason for them developing on the back is that when men work outside without tops on, they are often working with their backs to the sun. Based on the noticeable physical differences between men and women you will very often see a man working outside topless while woman do not. Consider summer jobs like lawn mowing, exterior house painting or making their own car repairs. Studies also report that, surprisingly, men over forty are outside more than their younger counterparts.
Caucasian are the Highest Sufferers
Recent studies have reported that forty four percent of men above fifty are building up skin cancer. Of this group, ninety seven percent are Caucasian. Of that group thirty seven percent were fair skinned. Twenty eight percent of them had a family history of skin cancer. While thirty three percent had a history of having moles that had changed in look before.
Causes of the Increase in Skin Cancer for Men
Some of the reasons blamed for these striking increases in skin cancer in men include travel, an increase in summer sports along with water sports, soccer and basketball, and a reflection of more convertibles on the street. Another reason is that although they will often wear hats in the sun, mainly for appearance, they are less likely to use sunscreens.
Low affect of Skin Cancer in African Americans
African Americans are far less likely to build up skin cancer and when they do, it’s usually on the soles of the feet or palms of their hands. This shows that the sun’s rays are unlikely to be the cause of these cancers. So far they do not seem to have the answers to what does. Oddly, African Americans have a higher death rate, in spite of the lower risk.