New study reveals most likely areas of body men and women develop skin cancer

A new study found that skin cancer and melanoma tend to develop in different areas of the bodies in men and women.

Researchers at Cancer Research UK (CRUK) found that forms of melanoma were most likely found on men's torso, back, chest and stomach, meanwhile, most skin cancer detections for women were found on the lower limbs, from the hips to the feet. The study's authors also warned that cases are expected to rise this year based on previous figures.

About four in ten men developed melanoma skin cancer in those compared to over a third of women, both accounting for over 3,000 cases a year.

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The researchers explain that dress code norms can partially explain the gender differences as men are likely to sun tan without a short while a women wear shorts during warm weather seasons.

The study noted that the overwhelming majority, about 87% of melanoma cases which equates to 17,100 cases, in the United Kingdom were the result of overexposure to UV radiation.

In 2024, rates of melanoma skin cancer reached historic highs in the U.K. as diagnoses rose by a quarter.

This equates to roughly 28 out of 100,000 people getting diagnosed in 2017-2019 compared to every 21 out of 100,000 in 2007-2009.

The study found that 87% of melanoma cases, the equivalent of 17,100 in the UK each year, are caused by overexposure to UV radiation.

Meanwhile, people over 80 saw cases skyrocket 57% while those aged 25-29 saw a 7% rise in diagnoses, and cases will likely continue to inscrease this year, the study's authors warn.

“Improvements in skin cancer survival rates highlight the remarkable progress driven by our research. But the growing number of people diagnosed with melanoma is still concerning, especially when we can see that rates are rising faster in men," said Michelle Mitchell, CRUK’s chief executive. 

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She continued, advising: “If you notice anything different on your skin, like a new mole, a mole that’s changed in size, shape or color, or any patch of skin that looks out of the ordinary – don’t ignore it, speak to your GP.

"We want to beat skin cancer for everyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from – early diagnosis is key and could make all the difference.”

Fiona Osgun, head of health information at CRUK, also warned that while most people are prepared to fight UV radiation during summer months, UV radiations often pose a threat from mid-March through mid-October, even during overcast conditions.

She advised that people try to stay in the shade between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. when the sun is at its peak as well as wear protective clothes that cover the skin in addition to a hat and sunglasses.

Osgun also advised that the best sunscreen to use is SPF30+ with 4 or 5 stars.