Melanoma in Ireland: More women get it but more men die from it

News Article | 09 Jun 2014

To mark Men’s Health Week 2014 the Irish Cancer Society and National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) are encouraging men to learn more about the risk factors for cancer and what they can do to protect their health. In particular they are highlighting melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.  In 2013, the Irish Cancer Society published The Excess Burden of Cancer Among Men in the Republic of Ireland which highlighted that even though females were more likely to develop melanoma of the skin, males were more likely to die from the cancer.  

Dr. Susan O’Reilly, Director of the NCCP calls on men of all ages to act now. “Get to know your skin and what is normal for you. Check it every month for changes and speak to your doctor if you are concerned. Melanoma mainly but not always develops from a new mole or a change to an existing mole.  The main changes to watch for in moles are changes in colour, shape and size.  Most changes won’t be a sign of something serious but catching it early and getting it treated as soon as possible could save your life.”

The report also highlights other cancers from which men fare worse. 

  • Men had significantly higher incidence rates of colorectal (bowel), lung, bladder and stomach cancer ranging from 1.6 to 3 times the rate of incidence in females.
  • Men had higher mortality rates for all cancers examined, including melanoma of the skin.
  • Male survival was significantly lower than female survival for lung cancer.
  • Male risk of death from colorectal cancer increased over time becoming significantly higher than the female risk of death after one year post diagnosis.

Many of these findings can be explained by lifestyle factors such as traditionally higher rates of tobacco use in men, excess alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, higher levels of obesity and low levels of physical activity. Other factors including late diagnosis resulting in lower survival chances were also taken into account. Lower socio-economic status is also associated with a higher risk of developing a number of cancers.

Rosemary Scott, Health Promotion Officer at the Irish Cancer Society said “The message for older and younger men alike; get informed about risk factors of cancer, and what you can do to protect your health. Know your body; look out for any unusual changes and take action. Early detection and treatment can greatly increase your chances of beating cancer.”

To mark Men’s Health Week the Irish Cancer Society is launching its new Manual for Men. This Manual invites men to learn more about cancer and to make the lifestyle changes necessary to reduce their risk and to spot it early.

To get a free copy: