Maidstone man warns of the dangers of skin cancer
New studies show men are three times as likely to be diagnosed with Melanoma
As Kent experiences soaring temperatures, MacMillan Cancer Support is urging men to pay special attention to their necks and scalps. After new analysis indicates men are more than three times more likely than women to be diagnosed with melanoma in these areas.
Rising temperatures have sparked renewed concerns about UV exposure, especially with visual evidence, such as images of male England fans, highlighting sunburn issues alongside World Cup fever.
MacMillan's research has revealed that more than four in five individuals (82%) neglect to consistently apply sunscreen to their neck, heightening the risk of UV damage and sunburn during summer days.
This oversight makes the neck and scalp particularly vulnerable.
Mark's story
Mark Perkins is from Maidstone, Kent, he was diagnosed with skin cancer after finding a mole on the back of his neck, speaking to Greatest Hits Radio Kent he said:
"So for me, it all started about four months prior to my diagnosis.
"I had a mole on my neck that had started to discolor. Originally, I thought it was just cutting it, shaving or something like that.
"And like most, maybe it's a man thing or just people in general, I just sort of ignored it.
"It was actually pointed out to me by one of my family members, which instantly just scared me, the fact that it was now noticeable by somebody else. So as soon as I got home,
"Unfortunately, I couldn't get into my GP quick enough with the sort of the anxiety that I built. So I used the Boots cancer screening service.
"I was literally in there that afternoon, really simple process, took some pictures of it. And then unfortunately, the next day,
"I got a phone call of them telling me, sorry to tell you, you've got a malignant melanoma. And I was like, what's that? And that's when I heard the word skin cancer.
"And as you can imagine, it was just pure panic then, you know, real feared up stupidly. I'd left it for so long as well."
On how he felt when told the news he said: "It was scary. I think the scariest point was then obviously I have to sit down, tell my family, tell my kids.
"You just, you know, you play the worst case scenarios out and it's just, it's really not enjoyable.
"But fortunately especially with this type of cancer, if you act on it quick, if you get to work and don't run away from it. It can be cured."
On his advice to other men who may be in a similar situation he said:
"If you have got moles, give them a little check every now and then.
"If you are going out in the sun, put on the high sun cream, forget your tan.
"You won't care about the tan if you end up with skin cancer.
"So yeah, just be active with it. Just think about it.
"And if you have got a concern, get down there. The faster you address it, the better your chance".
As the UK's heatwave continues, it's crucial for men to reconsider their sun protection routines and safeguard against harmful UV exposure.