Skin Cancer Prevention Update:(melanoma occurred on the body varied by ...),Health

The study, "Association between the anatomic distribution of melanoma and sex," tracked 152 melanoma patients seen at the University of Pennsylvania dermatology clinic in 2004 and 397 patients seen between 1972 and 1977. Specifically, the authors of the study concluded:

-- For the 2004 patients, men had a higher risk of developing a melanoma

on their head and neck than women.

-- In the 1970s, men were more likely to develop melanoma on their upper

back, chest, and abdomen, while women during this time period were more

prone to developing melanoma on their upper and lower extremities,

particularly the lower legs and feet.

-- Examining differences over time, women in 2004 were more likely to

develop a melanoma on the trunk than the lower extremities.

-- In 2004, women were more likely to develop a melanoma on their chests

compared to the 1970s. In 2004, men were more likely to develop a

melanoma on their lower legs compared to the 1970s.

"These findings closely mirror the melanoma patients that dermatologists treat in our practices today," said Dr. Read. "Men tend to develop more melanomas on the head, neck and upper back -- suggesting that they are not wearing sun-protective clothing, particularly wide-brimmed hats, or using adequate sunscreen on these areas. Also, women are now more likely to develop melanoma on their chests and upper backs, which indicates that they might be favoring the latest styles that expose more skin on these areas and forgoing proper sun protection in favor of fashion."

The TAN Act

On September 27, 2007, President Bush signed the Tanning Accountability and Notification Act (TAN Act) into law, which dermatologists believe may help significantly reduce the incidence of skin cancer in Americans. The
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