According to experts, the sun’s out, guns out’ culture may explain why skin cancer death rates have tripled among men over the past 50 years.
Cancer Research UK discovered that male deaths from melanoma have increased by 219 percent since 1972, compared to a 76 percent increase in female deaths.
The charity believes that the increase in inexpensive package vacations may be a contributing factor, as people are exposed to stronger UV rays in sunnier countries.
However, this does not explain the differences between the sexes.
According to Cancer Research, skin cancers are also more prevalent on men’s torsos than on other body parts; this is likely because they often go shirtless.
However, according to experts, men’s belief that the sun is not strong enough to burn them could also be a factor.
Men are 69 percent more likely than women to die annually from skin cancer, with 1,400 male deaths compared to 980 female deaths.
Nearly 17,000 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed annually in the United Kingdom, making it the fourth most common cancer, with approximately 2,000 deaths annually.
Survival rates depend on the stage at which skin cancer is diagnosed; the earlier the diagnosis, the better.
Cancer Research and Nivea Sun have issued a warning in anticipation of thousands of shirtless British men flocking to beaches and parks this weekend to take advantage of the forecasted warmer weather.
According to NHS data, 12% of men with skin cancer are diagnosed with an advanced form of the disease, compared to 8% of women.
They are also more likely to develop cancers of the torso or back, which lends credence to the theory that going shirtless is the most significant risk factor.
However, a survey of 2,000 men conducted by Nivea Sun suggested that overconfidence may also play a role.
Even though 84% of men are aware that sunburn increases their risk of skin cancer, 25% do not always wear sun protection.
When asked why they did not take precautions, one-fourth of these men responded that they did not believe the sun to be strong enough to cause sunburn.
The fact that six Britons die every day from melanoma, as stated by Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, Michelle Mitchell, demonstrates the significance of sun safety.
She stated, “We must all take precautions to shield ourselves from the sun’s UV radiation.”
Once every two years, getting sunburned can triple the risk of developing skin cancer.
The United Kingdom will experience a warm and sunny weekend, with temperatures reaching 39 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) on Monday of next week.
Ms. Mitchell urged British citizens to take preventative measures to avoid becoming another melanoma statistic.
She advised, “This weekend, remember to spend some time in the shade, cover up with clothing, and apply sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and 4 or 5 stars.”
And if you observe any unusual changes to a patch of skin or a nail, do not delay in contacting a physician.
If it is cancer, a prompt diagnosis can make all the difference.
Overall, 87.4% of melanoma patients survive for at least a decade.
Treatment is contingent on the time of detection. Surgical removal of the cancer is typically effective if detected early.
Typically, drugs are used to slow cancer’s spread in cases of advanced disease.
Nearly 90,000 cases of melanoma are diagnosed annually in the United States, resulting in approximately 8,000 deaths.
