The Truth about Melanoma and Men

With the summer months in full swing, it is vital to be constantly applying sunscreen to reduce the risk of getting skin cancer.  Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer and men especially need to protect themselves from the sun.

In a recent study by Reuters Health, researchers discovered that women with melanoma are more likely to survive this specific type of cancer than men.  Women are also less likely to have skin cancer reoccur.

During a study in Netherlands researchers looked at over 2,600 patients with early stages of melanoma. For 2 to 12 years, these men and women were followed as they underwent treatment. At the end of the study, results concluded that women were 70 percent more likely to beat skin cancer than men. Researchers are still not sure of the exact reasons, but have predicted that women’s genes and eagerness to go to a doctor may play a part in surviving more than men. Women are more likely to go to the doctor after seeing a change or blemish on the skin and this act can help catch cancer while it is still in its earlier stages.  Researchers ruled out that estrogen may be a part of the reason.

Overall, doctors and researches alike cannot stress enough to men the importance of seeing a dermatologist if you see a questionable change on your skin.  Going to see a doctor early can make all the difference and save your life!