A recent survey told some frightening news: barely half the men in the U.S. use sunscreen, and more than two-thirds don’t know the warning signs of skin cancer. Those are numbers we’d really like to get changed by men learning how to avoid skin cancer.
Skin cancer affects both men and women of all ages, but there’s a particular concern for men. Males aged 50 and older are more than twice as likely to die from melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, than women. The survey was sponsored in part by the Skin Cancer Foundation and involved 1,000 men and women.
What is skin cancer?
It’s well-known that the sun’s ultraviolet rays are responsible for most cases of skin cancer, which can take three forms: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. The first two are more prevalent, but carcinoma is more deadly in both males and females.
It’s also been shown that a full-spectrum sunblock with an SPF of between 15 and 50 is an excellent way to protect the skin from sun damage and help to avoid skin cancer. The goal now is to spread the word and get men to realize the importance of using this product whenever they expect to be out in the sun for any length of time.
In addition to proper application of sunscreen, there are other things men (and women) can do to safeguard their skin and prevent the development of all three types of cancer. Here are four of them.
- Along with sunblock, wear protective clothing such as long sleeves and wide-brim hats when under the sun for extended periods.
- Eat healthy. Nutritional deficits can set the stage for not only skin cancer but many other types of cancer and other diseases, as well. We all know what healthy eating means – we just have to make a commitment to doing it. More fruits and vegetables, less sugar, fat and processed foods is a powerful start.
- Exercise is known to help us ward off all kinds of sicknesses and diseases. Both aerobic activity and strength exercises help build a strong body that kicks our immune systems into high gear.
- Have annual skin checks. The only way to know if those spots and moles are potentially dangerous is to have a yearly skin check from a licensed dermatologist. It’s quick and easy and can catch a problem early before it becomes problematic.
DermSurgery Associates of Houston wants to encourage men of all ages to avoid skin cancer by paying attention to their skin and taking care of it. So many lives could be saved with just a little prevention and knowledge. If you want to schedule a skin check, we’re standing by.
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DermSurgery Associates is a Greater Houston area dermatology practice offering cosmetic, surgical and non-invasive dermatology treatments and procedures with industry-leading physicians trained and experienced with the most current dermatology technologies and procedures. For more information, contact
DermSurgery Associates
7515 Main, Suite 240
Houston, TX 77030
713.791.9966
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