Courier Mail Online Article August 29th 2006

MEN over the age of 60 are more than twice as likely to die from skin cancer as women of the same age, health experts say.
New figures show the number of men diagnosed with malignant melanoma has increased by more than 30 per cent for those aged between 60 and 80.
Victorian State Melanoma Service head and dermatologist Associate Professor John Kelly said aggressive nodular melanomas grew by as much as 0.5mm in depth every month and many men were being diagnosed too late.
“By the time we see many of these men, it is too late for surgery to prevent spread to other parts of the body,” Professor Kelly said.
“This is a wake-up call to older men – be vigilant, check your skin regularly, see your doctor and don’t assume everything will be all right.”
Experts say projected death rates among men in the 60-plus age group are expected to rise around the country by as much as 20 per cent in the next five years.
The figures contrast with those for Australian women and younger Australian men, with the death rate rising more slowly.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare statistics for 2004 show that men between 65 and 69 years of age had almost three times the risk of dying from skin cancer than women per 100,000 head of population.
Professor Kelly said that while the sun smart message was now well accepted by most people, in many cases the damage had been done several decades ago.
“We know considerable damage was done decades earlier when it was commonplace for men not to wear shirts or to apply sunscreen regularly,” he said.
“Unfortunately, older men still do not appear to be particularly vigilant about sun protection and are paying the ultimate price.”

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