Skin Cancer Deaths Spike for Men in Developed World

A startling trend has developed in the rates of skin cancer across much of the developed world. Per the Guardian, melanoma-related deaths of men have spiked in many of the countries examined as part of a study presented at the 2018 NCRI Cancer Conference in Glasgow on Sunday. The research showed that rates of death in men from the aggressive, UV radiation-related skin cancer are on the rise as those in women have leveled off or decreased in most countries observed, per CNN.

In eight of 18 countries, rates in men increased by at least 50% over 30 years. Male melanoma rates were found to have doubled in Ireland and Croatia, while Spain and Britain reportedly saw jumps of 70%, with the Netherlands just behind them at 60%. Researchers found that men in France and Belgium saw a 50% increase. While the US was not part of the study, the CDC reports a 25% increase in mortality rates for men. So why men and not women? Experts believe men are less likely than women to use sun protection. (Meanwhile, the AP reports that the UN is saying the hole in Earth's ozone may finally be starting to heal.)