0 New Study: Melanoma More of a Threat to Older Men

Many people are making it more of a priority to use sunscreen than ever before. However, according to a new study, melanoma is becoming a more noticeable threat to older men. You may think it is because their skin is more susceptible to sun damage, but it is actually because they are less likely than women to take sun precautions and check for growths.

"This survey demonstrates that many men do not protect themselves from the sun when outdoors and that some still believe that sun exposure is good for their health. This is a very troubling combination in light of the fact that the major risk factor for melanoma is exposure to ultraviolet light," states dermatologist Dr. Thomas Rohrer, a clinical associate professor of dermatology at Brown University School of Medicine.

Accordingto this study, 43 percent of women took precautions while in the sun, whereas only 29 percent of men reported always protecting their skin outside. Just 46 percent of men studied knew how to examine their own skin for signs of cancer, yet 59 percent of women knew how this should be done.

The best ways to protect yourself are to stay out of the sun between the hours of 10am and 4pm, use SPF 30 sunscreen with UVA/UVB protection, wear protective clothing and sunglasses, and avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.

Visit our free Skin Screening at a 9Health Fair this fall. The screening provides a check for skin cancer and other skin problems. Check out our website, beginning in August, for dates and a location near you. Getting the care and information you need, when you need it, isn’t too much to ask. Join the conversation on Facebook.