MEN are being warned to prioritise skin health by having regular skin checks after new data showed less than a fifth check their skin.
SunSmart’s 2022 Summer Sun Protection Survey revealed that only 19 per cent of Victorian men surveyed had checked their own skin in the past year.
Health experts warned that without men checking their skin for changes, dangerous skin cancers like melanoma could go unnoticed.
The 2021 Victorian Cancer Registry reported more than 2800 melanomas diagnosed in 2021, with more than 58 per cent (1650) in men.
The registry also found melanoma was estimated to be the second-highest missed form of cancer.
Cancer Council Victoria chief executive Todd Harper said that with melanoma, timing and early detection was critical, especially for missing melanoma cases.
“Melanoma can spread throughout the body – faster than people would think – so the earlier this type of cancer is found, the better our chances of treating it,” Mr Harper said.
“We know that men are twice as likely to lose their life to melanoma compared to women because of lifestyle habits, including spending more time outdoors but also being less likely to seek medical advice if they notice changes.
“That is why we are urging men to check their skin and take action.”
Victorian dermatologist Dr Edward Upjohn, from the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, has been working in the space for more than 15 years and provides specialist training to general practitioners to identify and diagnose skin cancer.
“I know that general practice and family doctors would have skin cancer on their radar and want to support their patients to find this type of cancer early,” Dr Upjohn said.
“For anyone who notices changes to their skin, like new spots or changes in colour, size or appearance, the first step is to call your local practice and book an appointment.
“In men, melanoma is more commonly found on their back and other parts of their trunk, which requires people to proactively check that area using a mirror or get a partner or friend to check.
“When you book an appointment with a GP, you can also ask them to check your back and any specific spots you have noticed changes in as well.
“Your GP will also check the rest of your skin including your scalp, another site where skin cancers may not be noticed.”
Dr Upjohn said it was vital missed melanomas were found.
