Skin cancer
Approximately one in every five Americans will get some form of skin cancer in their lifetime, according to skincancer.org, and men are two times more likely to get it than women. “This is likely due to increased sun exposure in men, as they tend to have higher rates of outdoor jobs,” notes Dr. Garden. ”
Additionally, men are less likely to be vigilant about using sunscreen or seeking shade.” Women tend to be more proactive when it comes to scheduling skin check-ups and regularly noticing skin changes, such as a changing mole. The locations for skin cancers are different as well.
“Men tend to get more skin cancers on their heads and ears, likely due to having less hair to protect this skin, as well as their backs, since they are more likely to be outside without a shirt,” Dr. Garden says. “Women are more likely to get melanoma on their legs, likely due to wearing skirts.” Age is another factor, as women younger than 40 are twice as likely as men to get melanoma, possibly as a result of recreational sun tanning.
