Men are 70 per cent more likely to die from malignant melanoma than women, according to a shocking report this week by Cancer Research UK. This is despite similar numbers of men and women being diagnosed with the disease every year.

Although the research focused only on UK patients, comparable patterns have been observed in Malta.

Figures from the Department of Dermatology and Venereology released in April showed that 57 males and 50 females had died from malignant melanoma in Malta from 1993 to 2011.

Despite the higher death toll, 270 males had contracted the condition in the same period compared to 347 females.

It may be that men are less vain or less attentive to their health

The higher mortality rates in males could be down to a combination of behavioural and biological factors, according to Dr Joseph Pace, president of the Maltese Association of Dermatology and Venereology.

“It may be that men are less vain or less attentive to their health, so they will consult their doctor later than women,” Dr Pace said.

“It may also be a hormonal thing; I don’t think anyone is quite sure yet. But fairly widespread research does suggest that men have a slightly worse prognosis than women.”

Dr Pace pointed out that men are more prone than women to developing melanoma on their torsos, including their backs, which can be hard to spot.

This may be because men are often shirtless in the summer months, while women are unlikely to reveal their backs unless they are on the beach.

Julia Newton-Bishop, a Cancer Research UK professor, said: “Research has suggested the difference between the sexes could be in part because men are more likely to be diagnosed when melanoma is at a more advanced stage. But there also seem to be strong biological reasons behind the differences and we’re working on research to better understand why men and women’s bodies deal with their melanomas in different ways.”

Although anyone can develop malignant melanoma, people with fair skin that burns and freckles easily and those with lots of moles are most at risk.

Exposure to “short, sharp bursts of strong sunlight” was also more likely to cause melanoma than slow, gradual exposure, according to Dr Pace, although he advised people to wear appropriate UV sun protection at all times when exposed to strong rays.

Repeated sunburn, especially in childhood and adolescence, and a family history of melanoma can also contribute to a higher risk.

Dr Pace said education campaigns must continue to encourage people to have suspect moles examined as soon as possible.

“If you notice a sudden change, see a dermatologist,” he said.

Melanoma claims an average of six deaths yearly in Malta, with the number of new cases reaching 54 in 2010 – up from 23 in 1999.

Northern European countries have the highest mortality rates for malignant melanoma in the EU, with Sweden having the highest rate of all. Cancer Research UK attributes this to excessive sun exposure when holidaying in countries further south.

Malta’s rate is below the EU average but higher than all other member states in the Mediterranean.

How to detect melanoma

Melanoma usually appears as a brown/black patch or lump with irregular features.

The ABCDE criteria provide a useful guide for diagnosing melanoma:

A: Asymmetry (melanoma is asymmetrical)

B: Border (melanoma has an irregular border)

C: Colour (melanoma consists of more than one shade)

D: Diameter (melanoma is usually larger than 6mm)

E: Evolution (recent change in size, shape and colour, spontaneous bleeding and irritation)

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