Skin melanoma, the most serious and aggressive skin cancer has a worrying increase in France. In the space of 30 years, the number of cases has quintuplely, today reaching around 15,500 new diagnoses per year. However, if this fatal disease concerns everyone, the areas of the affected body vary strongly between men and women, according to a recent study by cancer Research UK, corroborated by French data.
Skin cancer does not strike the same areas by sex
Researchers have observed that men most often develop melanoma on the upper part of the body, in particular the back, torso and the abdomen. These locations represent almost 40 % of male cases. A trend that is explained by well -established summer habits: in times of heat, many men who walk a shirtless, largely exposing this fragile area on UV rays.
In women, on the other hand, it is the lower part of the body, especially the legs, which concentrates the majority of cases. More than a third of female melanomas appear on the lower limbs, from hips to ankles. These areas are more discovered during sunny days, especially with the wearing of skirts, shorts or dresses. The differences are marked: Melanoma on the legs only concern 13 % of men, while melanomas of the torso represent only 22 % of cases in women, far behind the legs or arms.
Another notable distinction: men are almost twice as likely that women develop melanoma on their heads or necks (24 % against 13 %). The lack of hair protection, partial baldness or the absence of a headgear can partly explain this vulnerability.
A strong progression disease
In France, melanoma is today the fifth most frequent cancer. Above all, it is the one whose incidence rate increases the most common cancers the most quickly. If this trend continues, the figures could still increase in the years to come.
About 90 % of melanomas are linked to excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays (UV), whether from the sun or from artificial sources such as tanning cabins. In other words, the vast majority of cases could be avoided thanks to better prevention.
“Having a sunburn, even once every two years, can triple your risk of developing melanoma”Alert Fiona Osgun, Health Information Manager for Cancer Research UK.
Prevention: simple but essential gestures
Contrary to popular belief, you should not wait for a burning sun to protect yourself: UV rays can damage the skin even in cloudy or fresh weather. To protect itself effectively against melanoma, three basic gestures are recommended:
- Avoid exposure between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.when the sun is the strongest;
- Wearing covering clothes, a wide -edge hat and sunglasses filtering UV. And therefore, more covering clothes by sex;
- Generously apply a SPF 30 SPF 30 ST.with 4 or 5 stars protection, and renew the application every two hours or after each swim.
These simple measures make it possible to considerably reduce the risk of melanoma, while preserving long -term skin health.
Melanoma, this rule in 5 letters to know to identify a suspicious beauty grain
Remember, however, that when melanoma is detected early, it can be healed in 90 % of cases. Hence the importance of regularly monitoring your skin, especially beauty grains. The appearance of a new mole or the modification of an existing beauty grain should encourage to quickly consult a general practitioner or a dermatologist.
Specialists use the ABCDE rule to identify alert signs:
- HAS for asymmetry;
- B for irregular edges;
- C for heterogeneous color;
- D for diameter greater than 6 mm;
- E for time evolution.
Any suspicious change must be subject to a medical examination. Early diagnosis makes all the difference.
© League against cancer
Promising medical advances
On the treatment side, surgery remains the main option when melanoma is detected at an early stage. But for more advanced forms, treatments have evolved: immunotherapy allows about half of patients to respond favorably, by stimulating their immune system to combat cancer cells.
More recently, a personalized melanoma vaccine is being deployed in certain countries. Administered without needle, this treatment aims to prevent recurrence by activating a targeted immune response against tumor cells. A real advance that opens the way to a new era of tailor -made treatment.
In short, protect yourself, watch your skin, and don’t wait to consult at the slightest doubt. Faced with skin cancer, alertness and screening save lives.