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AAD's SPOT me campaign addresses skin cancer in male population
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Although 95% of American men know that skin cancer can be effectively treated if detected early, only six in 10 know how to self-detect signs on their skin, and even fewer actually visit a doctor for annual screenings, according to an American Academy of Dermatology survey.
The AAD conducted the national SPOT me survey to gauge American men’s current knowledge and behaviors pertaining to skin health concerns and actions, including skin self-exams and skin cancer screenings.
The 12-question online survey included a nationally representative sample of 1,151 American males aged 18 years and older.
Survey findings demonstrated that only 22% of men know to wear a wide-brimmed hat, 32% wear SPF 30 or higher and 39% seek shade when outdoors.
The survey also highlighted generational differences. Younger men were twice as likely as their older counterparts to say they sometimes care more about their physical appearance than their health (43% vs. 21%). Younger men were also less likely to believe they were at risk for skin cancer than their older counterparts, according to the survey results.
The mission of AAD’s SPOT me program is to reduce the number of deaths from skin cancer, educate the public about skin cancer risk and provide free screenings to identify skin cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages, according to the program’s website. In June, the AAD expanded its screening program with a donation from Bristol-Myers Squibb.
The following free skin cancer screenings will take place at National Football League events:
Atlanta Falcons Training Camp
Flowery Branch Training Camp Facility, Atlanta, GA
Friday, July 25 – Sunday, July 27
2:30 – 6 p.m.
Chicago Bears Pre-Season Fan Event
Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
Saturday, Aug. 2
3-9 p.m.
Dallas Cowboys, Home Opener & Rally Day
AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
Sunday, Sept. 7
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 8
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Dermatologists volunteer their time and expertise to provide skin cancer screenings as a free service through the AAD. The screenings take approximately 10 minutes, including paperwork, and are for skin cancer only; no blood work is conducted.