In recognition of Men's Health Awareness Month and the start of summer, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has released findings from a new survey, which found that more than 90 percent of American men know something about skin cancer, but only 61 percent know how to detect signs on their skin, and even fewer—18 percent—actually visit a doctor for annual skin cancer screenings. These shortcomings were more apparent in younger men (18-34), who were also significantly less likely to believe that they are at risk for skin cancer than men over 35 (31 percent vs. 42 percent), and are more likely to protect their skin for cosmetic reasons than they are for health reasons (32 percent vs. 20 percent).  

According to the AAD, one in five people in the US will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and by 2015, it is estimated that one in 50 Americans will develop melanoma, as the incidence of melanoma has continued to rise over the past 30 years.

The survey, which was a 12-question, self-administered online omnibus survey of a nationally-representative sample of 1,151 American males 18 years of age and older, does reveal some good news—men of all ages think more knowledge and discussion about skin cancer would be valuable. In fact, 66 percent of young men (18-34) are receptive to learning about it from “guys like them,” and more than half of men over 35 (58 percent) wish they had been more knowledgeable about skin cancer at a younger age.

Legendary New York Giants quarterback and CBS Sports analyst Phil Simms agrees with these findings. He is teaming up with the AAD to launch SPOT me™, a campaign that will educate Americans about their risk for skin cancer and specifically encourage men of all ages to make skin health a priority by getting regular skin cancer screenings from a board-certified dermatologist. 

Simms understands the importance of getting screened. When he saw a dermatologist in the summer of 2010, Simms realized something was wrong. The doctor was concerned about the suspicious-looking spots on his face. Since then, Simms has undergone multiple treatments to remove skin cancers on his face, head, and ears. As a result, Simms has modified his lifestyle to reduce his risk of future skin cancers, according the AAD.

“Like most men, I resisted going to the doctor until my daughter encouraged me to have my skin checked, and I was lucky my skin cancers were diagnosed early and effectively treated,” says Simms. “Since then, I get regular screenings and make sure my family—especially my two sons—does the same. I want to encourage men of all ages to talk to their family members and friends, be proactive with their skin health and most importantly, get screened for skin cancer.”

AAD President Brett Coldiron, MD, FAAD adds, “In my recent experience, I have treated more men than women for skin cancer, and the skin cancers in men are often more serious. This may be because men don't get screened as often as they should, which leads to more advanced cancers that could have been caught earlier. The survey findings are encouraging in that men do wish to learn more and even welcome discussion about skin cancer.”  

The AAD partnered with three professional football teams to help spread the word about the risks of skin cancer and provide free skin cancer screenings to the public. The screenings will take place during summer training camps, family events, and game days, including:

• Atlanta Falcons Training Camp: Week One (July 25-27) 
• Chicago Bears pre-season fan event (August 2) 
• Dallas Cowboys Home Opener Game (September 7) and Cowboys Rally Day (September 8)

To learn more about the campaign and to find free skin cancer screenings near you, visit www.spotme.org.