Figures published on 31 May 2010 by the organisation Cancer Research UK indicate a significant rise in deaths from melanoma in the United Kingdom. The figures show that the increase has occurred both for men and for women but that the rise is substantially greater among men (Cancer Research UK, “Men’s Skin Cancer Death Rates Double in the Last Thirty Years”, 31 May 2010).
Melanoma, or skin cancer, is both preventable and treatable if diagnosed early. The incidence of the disease among men has increased by more than five times over the past 30 years (from 2.7 per 100,000 to 14.6 per 100,000) and the death rate has doubled: in men over 65, the death rate from melanoma has more than tripled.
Among women, a different pattern emerges. Although more women are being diagnosed with malignant melanoma than men (5,697 were diagnosed in 2007 compared with 4,975 men) the death rates per thousand are lower; and although death rates among women are rising, they are rising more slowly than among men (Cancer Research UK).
Risk Factors for Melanoma
Malignant melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. The Skin Cancer Foundation, while noting that everyone is at risk, also highlights key factors which increase risk in individuals. These include family history of skin cancer, skin type (fairer skin is more susceptible), incidence of moles on the skin and previous episodes of melanoma.
The most important risk factor is exposure to sunlight, given that it is ultra-violet light which causes cell damage. Both sunbathing and tanning (especially in unregulated salons) are known to damage DNA and increase the risk of melanoma. A single episode of blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence, or relatively few repeated episodes, are enough to substantially increase risk of melanoma (Skin Cancer Foundation, “The Dangers of Tanning” accessed 31 May 2010).
Although the Cancer Research UK study does not consider the reasons for the increase in skin cancer over the 30-year period, it seems likely that the growth of overseas tourism, especially so-called "sun-worshipping" holidays to destinations such as the Mediterranean, may be a contributory factor, as it increases exposure to potentially damaging sunlight.
Explaining the Gender Gap: Men, Women and Visits to the Doctor
Reasons for the higher death rates from melanoma in men, despite the higher rate of diagnosis in women, are not addressed in the Cancer Research UK study. It is commonly reported that women are more likely than men to visit the doctor. For example, the Fatherhood Institute, reporting on a study for the Men’s Health Forum, identified several reasons why men might be less likely than women to visit the doctor.
These reasons included the fact that men learn behaviour which predisposes them, among other things, to take more risks; to deny illness ("illness equals weakness"); to be reluctant to discuss their health; or to fear the consequences of a visit to the doctor (“Men Tell Why They Don’t Go To The Doctor’s”, Fatherhood Institute, accessed 31 May 2010). With skin cancer, where early diagnosis improves survival rates, this reluctance to go to a doctor may be a contributor to the high mortality rates.
Given that skin cancer is both preventable and curable, the increases in diagnosis and death from the disease in both men and women, but particularly the former, give cause for considerable concern. Cancer Research UK stressed that precautionary measures, along with seeking early medical advice, are key to reducing the death rates highlighted in the report.
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