ASDS Offers Tips for Protection and Encourages Early Detection
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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Studies have found that men are twice as likely to develop skin cancer over women. In fact, skin cancer is more common than prostate cancer, lung cancer, and colon cancer in men over 50. According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), men are at greater risk for skin cancer because they are less likely to wear sunscreen or protective clothing and more likely to work outdoors.
“Although they are highly susceptible to skin cancer, many men wait too long to visit a doctor about suspicious moles and they don’t take the time to protect their skin,” said Dr. David Goldberg, member of the ASDS. “Early detection is very important to men, as melanoma has a 90 percent survival rate if diagnosed at an early stage. So, men need to pay attention to changes in their skin and take precaution by using sunscreen and scheduling annual screenings.”
Dr. Goldberg and the ASDS suggest the following tips for men:
*Use sunscreen daily: No matter what your skin type or how your body reacts to the sun, always wear sunscreen. Choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and reapply every two hours—especially if you’re sweating or in the water. Make sure to cover the back of the neck, ears and legs—areas of the body vulnerable to skin cancer. And, don’t forget your lips— lip balm with an SPF should always be used while outdoors.
*Wear a hat and more than a t-shirt for extra protection: Wearing a hat with a full, wide brim can help protect areas often exposed to the sun, such as the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose and scalp. To be extra precautious, it’s best to apply sunscreen under a t-shirt, or wear more protective clothing with a thicker weave.
*Protect the eyes: Sun exposure on the eyes is just as dangerous, so sunglasses should be worn to block harmful ultraviolet rays.
*Take more than a break: Avoid sun exposure during peak hours of intensity from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
*Monitor skin: If you notice discoloration, a changing mole and or a rough red patch on your skin, contact your physician immediately, as they may be early signs of skin cancer. Ask a friend or significant other to help examine hard-to-see places, such as the back. To download a free Self Skin Exam Kit and journal to monitor and measure suspicious moles and other lesions, visit www.asds.net.
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