Men need to brush up on their knowledge of skin cancer

American Academy of DermatologyApr 29 2016

Skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age, race or gender. When it comes to skin cancer prevention and detection, however, it seems that men need to brush up on their knowledge.

According to a 2016 American Academy of Dermatology survey:
•Only 56 percent of men know that there's no such thing as a healthy tan, compared to 76 percent of women.
•Just 54 percent of men know that getting a base tan is not a healthy way to protect your skin from the sun, compared to 70 percent of women.
•Only 56 percent of men know that skin cancer can occur on areas of the skin not typically exposed to the sun, compared to 65 percent of women.

"It's important for both men and women to protect their skin from harmful ultraviolet rays and regularly examine their entire body, including hard-to-see areas, for signs of skin cancer," says board-certified dermatologist Abel Torres, MD, JD, FAAD, president of the AAD. "While our survey results indicate that men don't know as much about skin cancer prevention and detection as women, men over 50 have a higher risk of developing melanoma, so it's especially important for them to be vigilant about protecting and monitoring their skin."

In recognition of Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month® in May and Melanoma Monday®, observed on May 2 this year, the AAD is asking the public to make sure their skin is "Looking Good in 2016" by making a habit of using sun protection and performing regular skin self-exams.

"To keep your skin looking good and reduce your skin cancer risk, the AAD recommends protecting yourself from the sun by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher," Dr. Torres says. "And since skin cancer — including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer — is highly treatable when detected early, it's important to regularly take a good look at your skin and check it for suspicious spots, asking someone you trust to help you examine hard-to-see areas."

The AAD highlights the importance of early detection in its new skin cancer public service advertisement, "Looking Good." The humorous ad features a man posing in the bathroom mirror until his wife catches him from the doorway. A female voiceover encourages men to regularly examine their skin and find a partner to help.

"We hope this PSA reminds everyone, especially men over 50, to regularly examine themselves for signs of skin cancer," Dr. Torres says. "If you notice any irregular spots on your skin, or anything changing, itching or bleeding, see a board-certified dermatologist."

Why are you making sure your skin is "Looking Good in 2016?" Share a testimonial on Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #LookingGoodin2016, or via the AAD website SpotSkinCancer.org. There, you can also find instructions on how to perform a skin self-exam, download a body mole map for tracking changes in your skin and find free SPOTme® skin cancer screenings in your area. SPOT Skin Cancer™ is the AAD's campaign to create a world without skin cancer through public awareness, community outreach programs and services, and advocacy that promote the prevention, detection and care of skin cancer.