By for Summit Medical Group

By Joy Pierce Mathews for Summit Medical Group

Studies show that approximately twice as many men get skin cancer compared with women. In particular, melanoma, which results from long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation, occurs most often in white men age 50 years and older and it causes 75 percent of skin cancer deaths overall.¹ Researchers believe the reasons men have higher skin cancer rates than women are because they:

• Are less likely than women to wear sunscreen and protective clothing
• Are more likely than women to have occupations that require being outside
• Are more likely than women to spend recreational time outside
• Lack education about skin care, skin cancer risk and prevention, and the importance of early detection

Men are less likely than women to care for their overall health and skin. They also often postpone getting medical attention when they first notice a problem with their skin. As a result, men sometimes need extensive surgery to remove their skin cancer. In addition, they have a higher rate of skin cancer spreading to other tissues and organs, which explains the rapidly increasing death rates from skin cancer in men.¹

“Although skin cancer often doesn’t appear until later in life, it’s important for men of all ages to understand how to protect themselves from sun damage,” says Summit Medical Group dermatologist Gabriel Gruber, MD. He adds, “The first step in maintaining healthy skin is to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun without adequate sun protection; but it’s also important to have periodic, regular skin check ups with a dermatologist who can accurately diagnose and treat precancerous or cancerous skin conditions as early as possible so they do not become a serious health problem.”

Summit Medical Group Dermatology would like to help men take an active role in their skin and overall health. Call us today. Our expert dermatologists can examine your skin from head to toe, diagnose any problems you might have, and treat you with the most up-to-date techniques to cure or manage your skin cancer. In addition, they’ll recommend sunscreens that are appropriate for men and that can be worn at work or play and suggest ways you can improve and maintain the health of your skin.

To learn more or schedule an appointment to have your skin checked, please call Summit Medical Group Dermatology at 908-277-8668.
 

Reference
Skin Cancer Foundation. Skin cancer facts. www.skincancer.org. Accessed June 3, 2010.