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Since 2019, our early detection campaign, The Big See, has empowered people to take a proactive approach to early detection of skin cancer. But we still have work to do, especially with certain skin cancer risk groups. Dudes, we’re looking at you.
Why Men?
Do any of you reading this have a man in your life who has visible skin damage from years of sun exposure but refuses to get a skin check because if he goes to the doctor, they’ll find something wrong? And if he doesn’t, it’ll all be fine? Yes, we can imagine the number of you nodding right now.
Denial is magical thinking, of course — especially when it comes to the world’s most common cancer, which is usually easily treatable and often curable when detected early. The statistics and behaviors between the male and female genders are shockingly out of balance. We want to correct that. So guys, we need you to open your eyes!
The Gender Imbalance in Sun Protection
In general, men don’t protect their skin from the sun as well as women do, especially when it comes to applying sunscreen to their face and head. And most men do not consistently use sun-protective clothing or hats, even on balding heads. The damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation accumulates over time and can lead to skin cancer. A few alarming stats:
- About 39 percent of men in the U.S. say they rarely or never use sunscreen, according to a national survey. For women, it’s 28 percent.
- Another survey showed that only 18 percent of men used sunscreen on the face (while about 43 percent of women do).
- In a survey of people who say they regularly use sunscreen, only 48 percent of men said they try to limit their time in the sun (this is counterproductive, of course), while 57 percent of women sunscreen users say they do so.
The Gender Imbalance in Skin Cancer Diagnoses
Across all skin cancers, men are doing worse than women. A frightening 2022 study that looked at the most common nonmelanoma skin cancers in 33 countries from 1997 to 2017 corroborates that the gender gap is not just a U.S. problem but a global one. And stats from the American Cancer Society on melanoma show that it follows the same pattern.
The Bottom Line?
Guys, you have a problem. Well, three problems.
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- You’re not using enough consistent sun protection, no matter what the weather, all year long. It’s never too late to start protecting your skin. Start now, find sunscreens and protective clothing, hats and sunglasses you like and make these a daily habit. Some products and treatments may help reverse some of your previous damage. Ask your dermatologist.
- You’re not being proactive about examining your skin from head to toe regularly. It’s easy. Use a mirror and a friend or partner for the body parts you can’t see (pay special attention to the scalp, ears, back of neck and back). Think of your self-exam as a DIY home repair project. Look for anything new, changing or unusual. Does it make you say, “What’s that?” Has it been there for a while? If so, see a dermatologist and, at the very least, you’ll gain some peace of mind. Or it might save your life.
- Too many men have never had a skin screening. (If you are an exception and have made your appointment, we applaud you!) Guys also tend to delay or deny that they need to see a dermatologist. Read number 2 again. Especially that last sentence. Don’t delay or deny. We’re counting on you!
The Solution? Three Easy Words
A simple way to detect possible skin cancer is to get to know your skin, check it regularly and recognize anything new, changing or unusual. Then take action and get checked out.
To learn how to DIY your skin exam, visit SkinCancer.org/selfexam.
