Understanding the Rising Cancer Rates in Australian Men
Despite being in an era marked by significant advancements in medicine and scientific research, the number of cancer diagnoses among Australian men continues to increase. This troubling trend raises important questions about why so many men are not taking their health seriously, even as awareness around cancer prevention grows.
Health is arguably the most valuable asset anyone can have, yet many men neglect their physical and mental well-being in the face of daily pressures. While there have been improvements in detection technology and screening methods, along with the impact of an aging population, experts suggest that a lack of proactiveness plays a major role in the rising cancer rates among men.
In Australia, the most common cancers that affect men include prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, and melanoma. Melanoma, in particular, has become a significant concern, as it causes more fatalities in men than in women. Despite increased public awareness about the dangers of sun exposure, the incidence rate of melanoma has risen from 53 cases per 100,000 people to approximately 70 cases per 100,000 over the past 25 years.
Breaking down the statistics, in 2024, women had a melanoma incidence rate of 56 cases per 100,000, while men had a rate of 86 cases per 100,000. These numbers highlight a consistent pattern in cancer diagnoses among men, indicating a need for greater awareness and action.
Why Proactive Healthcare Matters for Men
Compared to women, there are fewer guidelines and targeted screenings for male-specific health issues, which can lead men to be less proactive about their overall health. Dr. Victor Quan, a dermatologist at Northwestern Medicine, explains that men often don’t think about regular preventive care because there isn’t as much emphasis on it for them as there is for women.
Even when it comes to general concerns like skin checks, men are less likely to take action. Dr. Quan notes that female patients tend to make regular appointments for preventive visits, while male patients often wait until symptoms appear. This delay can be dangerous, as it may result in more advanced stages of cancer when it’s diagnosed.
“Men sometimes come in with skin cancers that are larger or more progressed,” he says. “They might not know what skin cancers look like—they can be warts, pimples, or scaly spots that aren’t healing.”
A 2018 study published in JAMA Dermatology found that men are 34% less likely to visit a dermatologist than women. This reluctance extends beyond skin cancer; many men avoid any kind of medical check-up throughout their adult lives.
The Role of Sun Protection in Preventing Skin Cancer
Another factor contributing to the rise in skin cancer among men is their lack of sun protection. Many men are unaware of the importance of daily SPF use and often underestimate the risks associated with UV exposure. Unlike women, who frequently use cosmetics with built-in SPF, men are less likely to incorporate protective products into their daily routines.
As a result, men are more prone to developing skin cancer on areas like the face, scalp, and neck—areas that women typically protect with sunscreen. This disparity highlights the need for greater education and awareness about sun safety among men.
Actor and professional wrestler John Cena recently shared his own experience with skin cancer, revealing that he had two cancerous spots removed from his shoulder and chest. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of neglecting sun protection.
“I didn’t want to have a routine and I also thought the problem would never reach me,” Cena admitted. “It’s one of those things where I had a ton of exposure with minimal protection and it caught up with me.”
Following his diagnosis, Cena has become an advocate for daily SPF use, urging men to take proactive steps to reduce their risk of skin cancer. Dr. Quan echoes this advice, emphasizing that small habits can have a big impact over time.
Small Steps, Big Impact
Dr. Quan encourages men to make sun protection a part of their daily routine, even if it means just applying a protective product for a few extra seconds each day. He stresses that these small actions can add up over a lifetime, much like investments.
“It compounds just like investments do,” he says. “Every little bit counts.”
By prioritising preventive care, men can significantly reduce their risk of developing serious health conditions, including cancer. As awareness grows, it’s essential for men to take a more active role in their health and make informed decisions about their well-being.