Men urged to cover up

As summer creeps closer, men are being urged to shed their macho image and start protecting their skin from the sun's harmful rays.

Statistics show that 34 men and 34 women died as a result of melanoma - the most dangerous form of skin cancer - between 1993 and last year. The data, collected by the Health Information Department, show that 153 men and 183 women contracted melanoma between 1993 and 2005.

Posters and billboards, prepared by the Dermatology Department and the Health Promotion Department for this year's Euro Melanoma campaign, show moles on a man's back, in an attempt to get people to check their bodies for any suspicious lesions.

The campaign will peak on May 7 when the world celebrates Melanoma Monday, during which dermatologists at Sir Paul Boffa Hospital will see people with suspicious lesions.

Melanoma can develop anywhere on the skin and in up to 50 per cent of cases is within an existing mole. Lesions are normally asymmetrical, have an irregular border, more than one colour and a diameter larger than six millimetres. Dermatology consultant Michael Boffa said one in five cases was fatal.

Speaking during the launch of the annual melanoma campaign yesterday, dermatology department head Lawrence Scerri said a study by local dermatologists, published in the European Journal of Dermatology, showed that melanoma had become increasingly common in men, especially those over 60.

Dr Scerri stressed the importance of screening, since the chances of survival were much higher when melanoma was caught early. In fact, 93 per cent of those found with thin melanoma were still alive after five years. However, the figure dropped to 56 per cent for those suffering from thicker lesions.

The eighth annual campaign aims to familiarise people with the problem and promote early detection and prevention. Although there are genetic factors associated with melanoma, the biggest contributor is exposure to ultra-violet rays.

Because repeated sun exposure in childhood can lead to melanoma later in life, health authorities have long been stressing the importance of protecting children.

Dr Scerri criticised the fact that many schools were still organising sports days outside in the warmer months, adding that he had seen many cases of sunburn and sunstroke among young children.

Although using sunscreen with a good sun protection factor is imperative, Dr Boffa said people should not solely depend on it for protection. He stressed the importance of avoiding the midday sun and wearing suitable clothing, including hats and sunglasses.

Health Promotion Department head Mario Spiteri said sunscreen and other protection were a must for workers who spent hours in the sun. Malta Association of Dermatology and Venereology president Joseph Pace said it was important to change work practices to avoid the hottest hours.

Appointments for Melanoma Monday's screening clinic can be made by calling 2298 7105 or 2298.