Throughout the month of June, we celebrate #MensHealthMonth! 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 2024 an estimated 6,500 men in Canada will be diagnosed with melanoma (an increase of 16% from 2023)
- In 2024, an estimated 850 men in Canada will die from melanoma (an increase of 3.6% from 2023)
- 1 in 38 men will develop melanoma in their lifetime.
Lack of Sun Protection: A Risky Behavior Pattern
Since 85% of melanomas are caused to the sun’s UV rays, healthy practices such as wearing sun protection and covering up are of the utmost importance! Unfortunately, to this day men are less likely to use sun protection than women in addition to other sun safety practices, hence why men under 49 are more likely to develop melanoma than any other cancer.
How to stay sun safe not just for the 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 (11:00am-3pm)
- 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
60 percent of men don’t regularly see a doctor unless they’re seriously ill
60 percent of men don’t regularly see a doctor unless they’re seriously ill and 80% of men refuse to see a physician until they are convinced by their spouse or partner to do so. Unlike most cancers, melanomas are often visible on the surface of the skin so individuals are able to perform monthly skin-check evaluations for suspicious skin concerns using the ABCDE’s. Melanoma is treatable, in fact when spotted early, melanoma has a cure rate of 85%. However, men continue to self-check less than half of melanomas and melanomas detected by women have a significantly better prognosis as they were detected at a much earlier stage. Reluctance to see a physician after detecting a suspicious skin lesion or mole also contributes to later diagnoses in men which increases the odds of severe outcomes from what should otherwise be a curable disease. To reduce these high mortality rates, we must promote health practices such as checking your skin monthly and notifying your health care provider immediately if you notice one or more of the ABCDEs.
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.
