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The rates of skin cancer are rising and men are the most affected
Skin cancer is a dangerous disease affecting more and more people around the world. Especially men spending a lot of time outdoors are especially affected by skin cancer. English researchers now noted a massive increase in skin cancer cases in men.
Public Health England (PHE) scientists found that if men spend a lot of time outdoors, their risk of developing skin cancer increases dramatically. Such men then particularly often fall ill with skin cancer. Experts are now launching a cover-up mate campaign to warn men working outdoors of the dangers of the sun.
When men work outdoors, they often develop skin cancer. One of the reasons is that men are generally less protective of sunburn and, moreover, the underestimation of the negative effects of sunburn on men is often underestimated. (Image: juefraphoto / fotolia.com)Skin cancer is on the rise
Skin cancer rates are higher in the south-west of England than the national average, the experts explain. And the cases of skin cancer are on the rise in this area. Many local areas in the south have elevated rates of malignant melanoma. Between 2005 and 2014, the incidence of malignant melanoma in men in the southwest increased by 45.3 percent, the researchers explain. The deaths from malignant melanoma also increased by 22.4 percent in the southwest, the researchers explain.
Since 1970, the skin cancer incidence rate has more than quadrupled
Since the late 1970s, the skin cancer incidence rate has more than quadrupled, according to the scientists. In the United Kingdom, the increase is 360 percent, explain the scientists. The observed increase is stronger for men. In men, the rates have increased more than sixfold, to be exact by 544 percent, the scientists report. For women, the rate had more than tripled, the increase was 263 percent.
Outdoor men are the target of the "cover up mate" campaign
The current campaign against male skin cancer targets male agricultural and construction workers, gardeners and athletes in particular. Such groups of men often do not use sunscreen, the researchers say. New figures also indicate that the risk of developing skin cancer is not limited to the summer, but in good weather already exists in April and May. At this time, the skin, which has faded through the winter, can be damaged by the sun, the experts add.
Average ultraviolet radiation level was increased by 34 percent
The average ultraviolet radiation level measured at the Cornwall solar monitoring station was 34 percent higher in April this year than the 10-year monthly average. The averages in May were generally normal, but here were the peak values increased by 15 percent, the experts add. This indicates that the UV radiation was greatly increased at certain times. One reason for this could be longer periods of clear sky where UV radiation is less absorbed by rain and clouds, the PHE researchers say.
44 percent of all deaths from melanoma skin cancer affected construction workers
A recent study by Imperial College estimated that 48 deaths and 241 cases of melanoma skin cancer in the UK in one year are caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun at work. Construction workers were particularly ill, affecting 44 percent of deaths. Farmers were also very often affected, with 23 percent of all deaths in England.
Men protect themselves worse from the sun
Research also showed that men are often less protected from the sun. A survey commissioned by Cancer Research UK found that men more than 50 percent more often forget to protect their skin with skin cream compared to women. Of particular concern, however, is that a total of 75 percent more men than women are completely unaware of the potential effects of sunburn, say the physicians.
Men should understand the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays
We need to be aware of the detrimental effects of UVA and UVB rays, scientists point out. These rays not only put us at risk of skin cancer, they also cause long-term damage and cause premature aging of the skin. There are more men with skin cancer compared to women. Therefore, the current campaign should inform them about the risks of exposure and allow them to reduce the risk of sun exposure and prevent sunburn by taking simple measures.
If skin flakes or freckles change, seek medical attention immediately
The earlier skin cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat. Therefore, if people have any concerns about the size or shape of skin tags or sun sprouts, they should consult a doctor immediately. (As)