Skin cancer: Men are 69 per cent more likely to die than women

MEN are two-thirds more likely than women to die of skin cancer – with death rates tripling in 40 years, a study reveals.

Experts say the years of cheap holidays in sunny locations and men going topless and using sunbeds are probably to blame.

Death rates from melanoma – the most serious type of skin cancer – have risen by 219 per cent in men since 1973, compared with 76 per cent in women. Every year 1,400 UK men and 980 women die of melanoma – a total of six people a day.

Taking into account age differences, it means men are 69 per cent more likely to die from skin cancer than women, Cancer Research UK found.

With skin cancers more often found on men’s torsos, it makes them harder to spot and therefore are diagnosed late. Michelle Mitchell, of Cancer Research, said: ‘These figures really drive home the importance of sun safety.

‘Getting sunburnt just once every two years can triple your risk of skin cancer.’

Urging people to cover up and use sunscreen, she added: ‘If you notice any unusual changes to a patch of skin or nail, don’t put off telling your doctor. In most cases it’s not cancer. But if it is, an early diagnosis can make all the difference.’

A recent survey by the charity and Nivea Sun found fewer than one in four men always protect themselves from the sun.

It comes as Dr Paul Banwell, who runs skin health specialists The Banwell Clinic, warns it is even more dangerous for children to get sunburnt. He said: ‘A child’s skin is more fragile. Being sunburnt as a child will significantly increase your chances of skin cancer later.’