This year over 60,000 Americans will develop melanoma and the incidence and mortality rate is higher for middle-aged and older men. Approximately 50 percent of melanoma deaths in the USA are comprised of white males 50 or older. This increased rate of melanoma in men may be explained by the greater number of outdoor activities that men perform compared to women.
The disparity in mortality from melanoma may be more difficult to explain, but experts believe it is partially a consequence of sex differences in melanoma knowledge and prevention practices. Recent medical studies have confirmed that men have limited awareness of melanoma's early warning signs, as well as the (lack of) practice of skin self-examination.
Studies also show a trend among men of delaying the receipt of medical attention. By delaying to seek care, men present at a later stage of the disease when it is less treatable. The back is where melanoma typically occurs in men, is not easily seen, thus, making self-discovery of a lesion less likely.
Women are taught about preventive care early with: yearly gynecological exams, Pap smears, monthly breast self-exams and yearly mammograms. It is not a surprise that women are more aware of the early signs of melanoma. Women also are more likely to seek medical attention early, when melanomas are still curable.
Evidence suggests that women are the main providers of health-related advice and care in most American households. American men rely on their wives for guidance, motivation and recommendations when it comes to health related issues.
Due to these differences in attitude, behavior and skin cancer knowledge between men and women, national dermatological organizations have developed programs that encourage women to bring their husbands or loved ones with them to their appointments so that both can be screened for skin cancer and educated on how to perform skin self-exams.
The Skin Cancer Takes Friends Campaign by the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery (ASDA) is a program which encourages women to bring their friends, husbands and family to get a free skin cancer screening. Dermasurgeons are the unrivaled specialists in the diagnosis, removal, closure and overall treatment of skin cancer. From Mohs micrographic surgery to simple biopsy and excisions as well as preventive laser therapy of pre-cancerous growths, dermasurgeons can control and effectively treat skin cancer with early detection - according to the ASDS website.
May is recognized as Melanoma | Skin Cancer Awareness month and the time is now for a skin check-up. There are free skin cancer screenings through out the United States so avail yourself of this great health opportunity.
The disparity in mortality from melanoma may be more difficult to explain, but experts believe it is partially a consequence of sex differences in melanoma knowledge and prevention practices. Recent medical studies have confirmed that men have limited awareness of melanoma's early warning signs, as well as the (lack of) practice of skin self-examination.
Studies also show a trend among men of delaying the receipt of medical attention. By delaying to seek care, men present at a later stage of the disease when it is less treatable. The back is where melanoma typically occurs in men, is not easily seen, thus, making self-discovery of a lesion less likely.
Women are taught about preventive care early with: yearly gynecological exams, Pap smears, monthly breast self-exams and yearly mammograms. It is not a surprise that women are more aware of the early signs of melanoma. Women also are more likely to seek medical attention early, when melanomas are still curable.
Evidence suggests that women are the main providers of health-related advice and care in most American households. American men rely on their wives for guidance, motivation and recommendations when it comes to health related issues.
Due to these differences in attitude, behavior and skin cancer knowledge between men and women, national dermatological organizations have developed programs that encourage women to bring their husbands or loved ones with them to their appointments so that both can be screened for skin cancer and educated on how to perform skin self-exams.
The Skin Cancer Takes Friends Campaign by the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery (ASDA) is a program which encourages women to bring their friends, husbands and family to get a free skin cancer screening. Dermasurgeons are the unrivaled specialists in the diagnosis, removal, closure and overall treatment of skin cancer. From Mohs micrographic surgery to simple biopsy and excisions as well as preventive laser therapy of pre-cancerous growths, dermasurgeons can control and effectively treat skin cancer with early detection - according to the ASDS website.
May is recognized as Melanoma | Skin Cancer Awareness month and the time is now for a skin check-up. There are free skin cancer screenings through out the United States so avail yourself of this great health opportunity.
Information on free screenings at:
www.skincancertakesfriends.org
www.asds.net
www.aad.org
www.skincancer.org
