Men's Health Survey

Throughout the month of June, we celebrate Men’s Health Month! An estimated 70% of chronic health conditions in men are classified as preventable and Canadian men, on average, can expect to live for 4 years fewer than women. This difference in men’s health and life expectancy is seen in every country in the world, and when it comes down to chronic health conditions, it is more influenced by lifestyle factors than biology. Poor lifestyle choices such as delaying routine check-ups and screenings as well as not being informed of potential health risk factors and abstaining from self-care, can all contribute to the onset of these conditions and more severe health consequences. During #MensHealthMonth, we encourage men to take control of their health through promoting healthy and proactive behaviours that prioritize preventive and early detection/intervention. These healthy behaviours include self-skin checks, wearing sunscreen every day, and getting regular check-ups from your physician!

How are Men Impacted by Melanoma

In 2026 an estimated 6,200 men in Canada will be diagnosed with melanoma [1]
In 2026, an estimated 820 men in Canada will die from melanoma [1]
Outdoor workers are up to 2.5 to 3.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with skin cancers (Ontario Sun Safety Working Group)

Lack of Sun Protection: A Risky Behaviour Pattern

Since approximately 85% of melanomas are caused by UV exposure from the sun, protective habits such as wearing sunscreen and covering up are critical. Unfortunately, men are still less likely than women to consistently use sun protection, and men under 49 are more likely to develop melanoma than any other cancer.

Adding to this concern, many men also delay routine medical care. Around 60% of men don’t regularly see a doctor unless they are seriously ill, and many only seek care when encouraged by a partner or family member. This delay in both prevention and early detection contributes to later-stage diagnoses and poorer outcomes.

Building Sun Safety Habits That Stick

Knowing what to do is not always the same as doing it consistently. Sun safety becomes much easier when it is built into everyday routines and becomes automatic over time.

A habit is formed when a cue (like brushing your teeth or grabbing your keys) triggers a repeated action, eventually reducing the need for conscious effort. Over time, behaviours like sunscreen use or wearing a hat can become as automatic as putting on a seatbelt.

Make sun safety automatic with simple strategies:

Stack it onto existing habits: Apply sunscreen after brushing your teeth or getting dressed in the morning.
Use visual cues: Place sunscreen near your toothbrush, keys, or coffee maker as a reminder.
Reduce friction: Keep sunscreen in multiple locations (car, gym bag, desk, golf bag, tackle box).
Make it easy to follow through: Choose a hat you actually like wearing and consider moisturizers with SPF 30+ for simplicity.
Add reminders early on: Phone alarms or sticky notes can help reinforce the behaviour until it becomes routine.

The goal is simple: make sun safety the easiest option, not the extra step.

How to stay sun safe not just for summer, but all year round

Apply SPF 50+ broad spectrum water resistant sun screen at least 30 minutes before sun-exposure and re-apply every 2 hours
Seek shade during peak UV radiation peak hours (11 am – 3 pm)
Wear sun protective clothing to cover as much of your body as possible
Wear a broad-brimmed hat that shades your face, neck and ears
Wear UV-protective sunglasses whenever outdoors

Why Early Detection Matters

Melanoma is often visible on the skin, which means regular self-skin checks can save lives. Using the ABCDEs of melanoma, individuals can identify suspicious changes and seek medical attention early.

Melanoma is highly treatable when caught early, with survival rates significantly higher at early stages. However, men continue to self-check less frequently than women, and melanomas in men are often detected at later stages, contributing to worse outcomes.

Reluctance to seek medical advice after noticing a suspicious mole or lesion remains a key factor in delayed diagnosis. Increasing awareness and encouraging early action is essential to improving survival rates.

4 Ways to Protect the Men in Your Life from Melanoma and Skin Cancer:

To promote healthier future and reduce the impact of melanoma on men, it is crucial to take proactive steps. Here are some actionable strategies to protect the men in your life from melanoma and skin cancer:

Encourage Regular Self-Examination – Learn how to Detect Melanoma and Sign Up for a monthly skin check reminder.

Promote Sun-Safe Behaviors – Not sure how? Learn about sun safety.

Educate Yourself – Use Melanoma Canada for melanoma and skin cancer support programs and resources.

Spread Awareness – Join our online community on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube. Share this article and include #MensHealthMonth @MelanomaCanada.