Medical researches prove that men are more likely to be diagnosed with skin cancer than women. Every year, close to 250,000 men are discovered to have skin cancer or related diseases. This striking and alarming rate has called attention to how men treat and care for their skin.
Men tend to spend more extended periods outdoors and are less likely to use sunscreen or protection compared to women who are more concerned about their skin. A man’s skin is thicker with less fat to hold more collagen, which is essential for healthy skin and bones, making it one of the reasons men are prone to skin cancer.
Why are men reluctant to have skin checks?
1) Ignorance
The biggest reason men refuse skin checks is that it is mainly seen as unnecessary and not practical. There is a widespread lack of knowledge among the masculine gender concerning skin education and treatment, and most might not even recognise the existence of skin check-ups, talk less of its importance.
The danger of bathing under the sun continuously without protection is, unfortunately, what most men are ignorant of. For example, melanoma, caused by sun exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, is a widespread skin cancer among men. One of the significant causes is ignorance of the cause and proper skin check-ups. Skin check-ups should be taken just as seriously as regular medical examinations.
2) Lack of time
Health, they say, is wealth. Work would be impossible if the state of your body or health is poor. The excuse of most men for avoiding medical and skin check-ups is usually related to their jobs or a busy schedule.
Men who mainly work outside should take skin check-ups seriously. The health risk is very high, and specific days should be left out for skin check-ups.
3) Financial reasons
The fact that men do not understand the value of skin check-ups makes it harder to spend money on them. The importance placed on skin treatment by men makes it cumbersome for them to want to involve money.
Since money would be spent and the use is not fully known, there is obviously a reason for men to refuse skin checks.
4) Fear
There is usually this imagination that an issue will undoubtedly arise once you visit a skin cancer specialist for a skin check. Out of nervousness and fear of the unknown, many men have refused to go for a skin check-up; they then come up with preferable answers in their heads. For cases of melanoma, it is easily dealt with when it is at its early stage. To prevent it from getting out of control, go for a skin check-up as soon as you notice the slightest symptom.
5) Reservations about the procedure itself
Going naked in front of a doctor is one of the biggest reasons men avoid skin check-ups. It is usually embarrassing to be touched around by a stranger, even if it’s medical personnel. But these thorough examinations are needed to check out for cases of skin cancers. Doctors have also been well trained to make it less shaming for patients, especially when dealing with their genitals.
Conclusion
Men should take skin and sun treatment seriously and not see it as something only women do to prevent the high rate of skin cancers. Like women, it is important that all men have annual skin checks at a trusted skin cancer clinic, such as Skin Clinic Robina.
