The survey, taken in 2012, measured men’s knowledge of skin cancer and sun protection, where almost half of men in the United States admitted to not using sunscreen in the past 12 months. Seventy percent didn’t even know what skin cancer warning signs to look for. As if that weren’t alarming enough, men over the age of 50 are more than twice as likely to develop—and die—from melanoma. Which is why The Skin Cancer Foundation and Energizer, the makers of Banana Boat and Hawaiian Tropic sunscreens, have teamed up to launch Sun Blunders—a campaign that helps men read up on their risk, as well as the rules of proper sun protection, just in time for summer. The face of the campaign is LA Galaxy and Team USA soccer player Landon Donovan who not only spends an ample amount of time outside, but whose father has been diagnosed with skin cancer. “When The Skin Cancer Foundation approached me, it was sort of a no-brainer,” says Donovan. “Cancer doesn’t discriminate, and this campaign is a great way to teach guys it’s OK to be smart about sun protection.” Men visiting the Sun Blunders wesite can click through an interactive map of outdoor venues they frequent—the basketball court, the nature trails, the golf course and their own front yard—and get facts on when to apply sunscreen, how much and how often. Then, users can take a quiz to test their new “sun smarts” and enter to win a 3-day trip to Key West, Fla. “We realize that most people aren’t most excited to talk about skin cancer prevention,” says Donovan. “It’s sort of this macho culture, but Sun Blunders is fun and exciting and guys are receptive to it.” Outside of sunscreen, Joshua Zeichner, MD, a spokesperson for The Skin Cancer Foundation and assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center, offers these sun safety tips for men and women alike. Don’t blame it on D “Most people say to me, ‘I need the sun for my vitamin D.’ It’s true that sun is involved for the production of vitamin D in the body, but current recommendations from The Skin Cancer Foundation are to get D from diet and, if necessary, supplements,” says Dr. Zeichner. (Find out the best foods for your source of D.) Know what to look for “There are different types of skin cancer—non-melanoma and melanoma, to be broad. Subcategories of non-melanoma can include spots or scabs that frequently bleed or little shiny white bumps, like a little pearl,” says Dr. Zeichner. “Melanoma is more of a dark spot.” To help you better identify possibly cancerous moles, follow this warning sign checklist. Get undressed For a total body skin check, that is. “A typical mole and melanoma can develop in between the toes, scalp and hidden areas, so it’s important to have the entire body checked out for your annual total body skin check,” says Dr. Zeichner. “If you notice a new mole between your skin checks, don’t wait; get it checked out.” Be aware of peak hour The sun is really at its stronger from 10 in the morning to 4 PM, and you should seek shade as often as you can. If not, stay safe with broad spectrum SPF 30 and includes ingredients to protect against both UVB and UVA rays, like zinc, titanium and avobenzone, says Dr. Zeichner. “Avobenzone can cause some skin irritation or allergies in people, so if that’s you, choose a brand specific for sensitive skin,” he says. (Just be sure to steer clear of these six sunscreens.) Cover up After SPF, consider clothing specifically labeled as UPF—ultraviolet protection factor, says Dr. Zeichner. Also, broad rimmed hats, sunglasses that have lenses labeled as broad spectrum UV protection, and, in some cases, gloves. While most media outlets target women and sun care, men need to study up, too. “Just because sun protection is a part of women’s interest in beauty doesn’t mean men shouldn’t follow the same rules. It’s not infrequent for me to perform a total body check up and have my patient tell me his wife or girlfriend made him come,” says Dr. Zeichner. “That’s great.” More from Prevention: 15 Confusing Sunscreen Questions—Answered
