Men’s Skin Cancer: A Tale of Tans, Tan‑tastic Teenagers, and Missing Sunscreens
Ever wondered why dads on sun‑brushed beaches seem to trade melanoma for a golden glow? A new study out of Glasgow (Nov 4) reveals that men’s skin‑cancer deaths have been climbing like a badly conditioned kite in rich countries—while women’s numbers are holding more of a “slower‑step” dance or even slipping down.
Why the Sex Gap?
- Men apparently keep their sunscreen on the back of their heads (or just never use it).
- Public health warnings? They might as well be whispers compared to a rumbling alarm bell.
Dr. Dorothy Yang from the Royal Free London NHS speaks truth to power: women tend to heed caution, men apparently think “sun‑some” equals “fun.”
According to the CDC, over 90 % of melanoma cases come from UV harm—whether from open‑air sunbathing or those sorry tanning beds.
Global Growth Gloom
| Country | Jump in Men’s Mortality (1985–2015) |
|---|---|
| Spain & UK | ~70 % |
| Netherlands | ~60 % |
| France & Belgium | ~50 % |
| Ireland & Croatia | ~100 % |
In 8 of the 18 countries studied, men’s deaths surged by more than half. And while the United States (excluded from the study) saw a 25 % rise, the top‑risers weren’t always the deadliest.
Australia: The Sun‑Smart Trailblazer
Australia’s death rate for men in 2013‑15? Roughly 6 per 100,000—twice of Finland’s but only a modest 10 % uptick over three decades. Why? Because they’ve been tossing out sun‑smart posters since the 1970s. “We’re experts on sunscreen.” Dr. Yang quips, citing 30 years of relentless public campaigns.
Half of Australian women’s melanoma deaths (in 1985) were already less than men’s and slipped 10 % over the next 30 years. Other female‑friendly nations—Austria, Czech Republic, Israel—see similar declines, while Romania, Sweden, and Britain have just a smidge of an increase.
Some Countries Call the Tune
- Netherlands, Ireland, Belgium, Spain: Women’s death rates climbed as sharply (58‑74 %) as men’s.
- Japan remains the outlier with the lowest numbers (0.18–0.24 per 100,000).
Scientists still sniff around for genetic clues, but no definitive answer yet. Meanwhile, men keep strolling on sun‑lit pathways—perhaps until the next health campaign, or a good ol’ warning sign appears.
Takeaway
Men, keep that sunscreen handy! Women are winning this UV battle, but it’s a reminder that a protective habit is the real sunscreen that beats the sun, not just a tan.
