BITESIZE: Men are at higher risk for skin cancer: What we need to know
- Penn Smith
- Apr 13
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 21
The numbers don't lie
A few weeks ago while researching for another project, I came across a graph that stopped me in my tracks. As someone who reviews data regularly, I'm not easily shocked by statistics—but this one was different. The data was so striking that I initially doubted its accuracy. After verifying the source, I had to accept the concerning reality it revealed:
Men are dangerously behind women when it comes to sun protection.
Wow. In most age groups men use sunscreen less than half as often as women... That's so concerning that I decided to do more research. This is what I found:
According to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men are significantly more likely to develop skin cancer than women. Here are some key findings:
In 2021, the rate of new melanoma cases was 28.6 per 100,000 for men, compared to 18.9 per 100,000 for women.
The death rate from melanoma in 2021 was over twice as high for men (2.9 per 100,000) as for women (1.3 per 100,000).
Why the gender difference?
Could these higher rates simply be due to less sunscreen use, or is there more to the story? My research revealed that men are actually more vulnerable to skin cancer - even when they do use SPF - for several surprising reasons:
1. Exposure at work: Men are more likely to work in outdoor occupations such as construction, agriculture, and landscaping.
2. Exposure at play: Men engage more than women in high sun exposure activities such as fishing and golf during peak UV hours.
3. Hormonal differences: Believe it or not, hormones play a role in skin cancer risk:
Studies show that estrogen, predominantly found in women, may help protect skin from UV damage.
Research points out that androgens (male hormones) might make skin more vulnerable to sun damage.
These differences could explain why men are not only more likely to develop skin cancer but also tend to have worse outcomes.
4. Thicker Skin: A study in the journal "Dermatology" found that men's skin is about 25% thicker than women's skin, which could contribute to delayed detection of skin abnormalities[4]. Ironically, in this case, men's naturally thicker skin might work against them. While thicker skin can provide some protection against wrinkles, it may mask early signs of sun damage, making it harder to detect potential skin cancers in their early stages.
5. Vulnerable areas: the neck, ears, and balding head
Three areas of particular concern for men are the neck, ears, and balding head. These areas are often exposed to the sun year-round, even in cooler climates.
6. Men are simply not as informed as women about the risk
A survey conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology in 2016 found that fewer men than women knew the following facts:
The Paradox:
Men actually have a greater need for sun protection than women do, yet they're far less likely to use it consistently.
My tips on helping to keep the men in your life healthy.
1. Encourage regular skin checks
Remind the men in your life to perform monthly self-exams and schedule annual dermatologist visits. Early detection saves lives.
2. Make sun protection accessible and appealing
Gift high-quality sunscreens, stylish hats, and UV-protective clothing to the men you care about. Remove barriers to protection by making it convenient.
3. Lead by example
Make sun protection a family affair by applying sunscreen together before outdoor activities. Normalize the habit through consistent modeling.
4. Help choose the right SPF
When selecting sunscreen for men, consider their unique preferences:
Non-greasy, quick-absorbing formulas that don't leave a white cast
'Sport' or 'active' sunscreens that are water and sweat-resistant
For balding heads, consider sunscreen sticks or clear zinc oxide formulas
Emphasize reapplication, especially on the tops of heads
Encourage hat-wearing as an additional protective measure
Remember, the best sunscreen is the one that the men in your life will use consistently.
My top SPF picks for men on Amazon https://amzn.to/4cgoe2F
5.DNA repair enzymes - every day
I recommend products with DNA repair enzymes for the men in your life. These complex proteins help repair UV-induced DNA damage in skin cells, reducing skin cancer risk by correcting cellular damage before it leads to cancerous changes. All the men in my family use my favorite DNA repair products as part of their daily routine.
Photozyme DNA Youth Recovery & Photozyme Omega 36 Body https://photozyme.com/?ref=PENNYSMITH code PENNSMITH saves 25%
If you would like to learn more about DNA Repair Enzymes checkout my playlist on Youtube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNvBTzoaXrF20oZUo-SXIzAzPMcIbRRGL&si=tv2zWIBVFTPEwURd
Sources: [1] Thomas-Ahner, J. M., et al. (2007). Cancer Prevention Research, 1(6), 445-454. [2] Cho, Y. R., et al. (2010). The FASEB Journal, 24(1 Supplement), 1006-8. [3] Natale, C. A., et al. (2018). Frontiers in Endocrinology, 9, 440. [4] Sandby-Møller, J., Poulsen, T., & Wulf, H. C. (2003). Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 83(6), 410-413.
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7122a5.htm
FTC: Links in this post are affiliate ~ Please note that all links on this page are affiliate and I participate in the Amazon Associates program which is an affiliate program. Any time you see an Amazon link it is affiliate. If you choose to use my links please know that I appreciate it!
Disclaimer: This post is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided on this blog is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or skin related diagnosis or treatment options. Information on this website should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare/skin professional. The statements made about specific products throughout this website are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. It is important that you check labels to determine if a product is right for you. Before starting any treatment at home consult a health care or skin care professional to determine if it’s right for you.
