More men get checks for skin cancer

SLIP, SLOP, SLAP: Men have become much more aware of the sun's effects on their skin. PHOTO/GREG BOWKER

Wairarapa men are becoming more proactive about being checked for skin cancer.

MoleMap dermatologist nurse Merryn Kennedy - who held clinics in Carterton and Masterton - said she had noticed more men getting their skin checked in recent years.

"Certainly we still get a lot of cases where the partner has sent them but I have noticed we have got more proactive men under 40 coming in."

She said skin cancer in Wairarapa was common, which kept her patient numbers steady.

"A lot of people come because they hear someone they know has been diagnosed with melanoma."

Mrs Kennedy said more women than men sought checks overall, but the gender gap was closing.

MoleMap general manager Andrew Maslin said early detection of melanoma was the key to successful treatment.

On the prevention side, a leading health official warned people to check their sunscreen was still effective.

Cancer Society manager Fiona Mawley said using expired or heat-damaged sunscreen could be worse than using none as it could lead to people exposing themselves to harmful sun while believing they were protected.

Most sunscreens had a three-year shelf life, she said. However sunscreens which expired yesterday did not need to be thrown away.

"If a sunscreen is three months past the expiry date and kept in cool conditions, away from direct and or indirect heat, then it should still be effective to use."

Ms Mawley said keeping sunscreen away from heat was key.

"The effectiveness of the sunscreen will depend on where it has been stored.

"It is best to store it below 30C - not in a car or golf bag."NZME.