Men face higher skin cancer risk due to poor sun protection

[Photo: Renato Marques]

Skin cancer cases are rising more rapidly among men in Macau than women, largely because men are less likely to protect themselves from the sun, the Health Bureau (SSM) said yesterday at a press conference.

According to Dr. Wong Chi Leong, acting chief of the Division of Health Promotion at the Center for Disease Prevention and Control, the higher incidence of skin cancer among men observed over the last few years has been attributed to both greater sun exposure and the fact that men, unlike women, often neglect to use sunscreen.

Wong said, citing 2024 statistics, that the incidence of skin cancer is significantly lower than the incidence of all cancers combined, which was 246.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

In total, Wong said that Macau recorded 2,630 cancer cases, with the most common types being lung, colorectal, and breast cancers. Skin cancer ranked seventh.

Still, 94 new cases of skin cancer were reported that year, as well as four skin cancer-related deaths.

Aiming to promote a policy of prevention, early detection and early treatment of skin cancer, the SSM, in partnership with community groups, is hosting an event on Saturday in several locations across the Macau Peninsula and Taipa to provide more information about skin cancer and encourage residents to pay attention to potential symptoms and seek medical help as early as possible. The activities will take place between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Prevention is key

On prevention, Wong said the major factor that can trigger skin cancer is sun exposure, calling on the public to adopt the “ABC” strategy, which stands for “Avoid, Block and Cream.”

On avoidance, the physician explained that people should avoid sun exposure during peak UV hours, which usually occur between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. He also said that the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) publishes the UV index in real time on its website and mobile application, urging people to pay attention to the reported levels.

If that is not possible, people should “block” UV rays by wearing long-sleeved clothing and covering their heads during periods of high UV levels.

Last but not least, people should use sunscreen, particularly on areas most likely to be exposed, such as the face, neck, arms, and legs.

Another purpose of the activity organized by the SSM is to debunk myths about sun exposure.

Wong noted that while some people believe that more sun means more vitamin D, this is not true. To obtain the daily recommended amount of this vitamin, people need only about 15 minutes of sun exposure per day.

Another myth that the SSM wants to debunk is that children need more sun exposure than adults, a belief that can lead to sunburn because children’s skin is more sensitive and requires greater protection.

Finally, Wong noted that cloudy days are not UV-free. On the contrary, while cloud cover might give a sense of “coolness,” UV rays penetrate clouds easily, leading to sunburn and overexposure.

Symptoms people should pay attention to

Regarding early detection of skin cancer, Dr. Kuok Wai Seng, a physician at the Inner Harbor Health Center, added that, besides the sun, routine exposure to certain chemicals, such as arsenic and compounds such as asphalt, can increase the risk of skin cancer.

He advised people to pay attention to skin spots and moles, especially those with asymmetric shapes, irregular borders, and uneven color.

He also noted that moles with a diameter greater than 6 millimeters should be monitored closely, particularly if they change rapidly in size.

High cure and survival rates

While noting that the three main types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma, all have high cure and survival rates when detected early, Dr. Cheong Si Leong, a dermatologist at the Conde de São Januário Hospital Center (CHCSJ), said.

According to information she shared, BCC, the most common type of skin cancer, has a cure rate of 99%, while SCC has a cure rate of 95%. Melanoma, the most dangerous type, still has a high cure and survival rate, she said, adding that its five-year survival rate is over 80%.

Questioned by the Times about the time needed to book a dermatology consultation, Cheong did not provide a timeframe, noting only that people who suspect they have symptoms should seek medical help immediately from their family doctor at a health center.

After a preliminary evaluation by a primary care physician, the health center will, if necessary, help book a specialty appointment at CHCSJ for further treatment.

Cheong said the essential point is that people who notice suspicious symptoms should seek medical advice immediately rather than waiting to see whether the condition progresses.