Men are more likely to develop melanoma skin cancer: Study

A new study has found that men are more likely to develop melanoma skin cancer compared to women. A study conducted by McGill University aims to uncover the reasons behind a higher likelihood of melanoma, a deadly skin cancer, among residents of Atlantic regions in Canada compared to other Canadians.

The global incidence of melanoma, a potentially life-threatening form of skin cancer, has been steadily increasing, and Canada is no exception to this trend. Current estimates suggest that as many as 1 in 3 Canadians may develop some form of skin cancer during their lifetime. Interestingly, certain provinces in the Atlantic region, such as Prince Edward Island (PEI) and Nova Scotia, exhibit the highest rates of melanoma in the entire country. In contrast, neighboring provinces like New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador either have rates below the national average or on par with it.

According to the study's findings, melanoma risk was elevated among individuals with higher incomes. Several risk factors contributed to this phenomenon, including a history of more sunburns over a person's lifetime, the use of tanning beds, and having a tan. Additionally, individuals with a university education showed higher rates of recreational sun exposure but were less inclined to use tanning beds.

Dr. Ivan Litvinov, an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine and Chair of the Dermatology Division at McGill University talked about this study and said that a higher socio-economic status is known to be associated with more vacations in sunny climates and recreational tanning, which likely ultimately drives melanoma incidence in this population.

In terms of preventing skin cancer, the study revealed that men tend to harbour more unfavourable attitudes towards using sunscreen compared to women. In line with this, women exhibited greater concerns regarding new moles and were more inclined to consult with a family physician for medical advice. The researchers suggest that these behavioural tendencies could potentially explain the overall lower rates of melanoma incidence and mortality observed in women.

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