Middle-age men at risk of skin cancer

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PROVIDENCE, R.I., May 20 (UPI) -- Dermatologists warn U.S. men age 50 and older have an increased risk of developing melanoma -- the deadliest form of skin cancer.

An online survey conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology found most men were lax when it comes to proper sun protection and were unsure how to examine their skin for skin cancer.

The survey found:

-- When outside in the sun, 29 percent of men said they 'always' protect their skin, compared with 43 percent of women.

-- 39 percent of men, compared to 28 percent of women, agreed they prefer to enjoy sunshine and not worry about what they should do to protect themselves.

-- 46 percent of men indicated they knew how to examine their skin for signs of skin cancer compared with 59 percent of women.

"This survey demonstrates that many men do not protect themselves from the sun when outdoors and that some still believe that sun exposure is good for their health. This is a very troubling combination in light of the fact that the major risk factor for melanoma is exposure to ultraviolet light," Dr. Thomas E. Rohrer of Brown University School of Medicine said in a statement. "Men need to examine their skin and see a dermatologist if they spot anything changing, bleeding or growing."