More Than Skin Deep: Supporting Men Facing Melanoma
May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a time to spotlight one of the most common—and potentially deadly—forms of cancer: melanoma. While skin cancer is often associated with sunny days and sunburns, the truth is far more serious, especially for men.
Melanoma doesn’t care how tough you are, how rarely you see the doctor, or how “minor” that mole looks. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned at Man Up to Cancer, it’s that no cancer is small when it’s happening to you.
This month, we’re turning our focus to the men who are fighting melanoma, the caregivers who support them, and the brothers who may not know they’re at risk. Because this isn’t just about skin—it’s about survival, connection, and taking action before it’s too late.
Melanoma in Men: A Dangerous Trend
Here’s a stat that should stop you in your tracks: Men over 50 are more likely to die from melanoma than women of the same age. In fact, melanoma is one of the deadliest cancers for men, especially white men, and especially those who’ve had long-term sun exposure through work or recreation.
Why the disparity?
Delayed diagnosis – Men are less likely to go to the dermatologist or notice changes in their skin.
High-risk areas – Melanomas in men often appear on the back, shoulders, and scalp—places we rarely check.
Cultural habits – Many men still skip sunscreen or think skin cancer is “no big deal.”
But melanoma is no joke. When caught early, it’s highly treatable. Left unchecked, it can spread quickly to the lymph nodes and vital organs.
The Physical and Emotional Toll of Melanoma
When people hear “skin cancer,” they often think of outpatient procedures and quick recoveries. But for many men in our community, the reality is far more complicated.
Major surgeries to remove tumors, sometimes requiring skin grafts or deep excisions.
Long-term scarring or changes to appearance—especially difficult for younger survivors.
Ongoing anxiety about recurrence, metastasis, or the impact on family and work.
The stigma of having a “less serious” cancer, which can lead to isolation or shame.
Cancer is cancer. The impact is more than skin deep.
Breaking the Silence and Stereotypes
Men aren’t always encouraged to talk about fear, pain, or insecurity—especially when it comes to something that seems “cosmetic” like skin cancer. But the emotional toll is real.
At Man Up to Cancer, we’ve heard countless stories of men who felt brushed off or misunderstood. They didn’t want to burden others. They didn’t want to seem weak.
But vulnerability isn’t weakness. It’s honesty, and it’s the first step toward healing.
If you’re facing melanoma or caring for someone who is, you don’t have to go it alone. Brotherhood matters. And support can change everything.
Prevention and Early Detection: What You Can Do Today
You don’t have to wait for a diagnosis to take action. Here are five things every man should be doing, starting now:
Use sunscreen daily – SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days.
Wear protective clothing and hats when working or playing outdoors.
Check your skin monthly, especially hard-to-see areas like your back, scalp, and behind the ears.
Get annual skin checks from a dermatologist—don’t skip it.
Pay attention to changes: If a mole is growing, changing color, or looks irregular, get it checked immediately.
Melanoma doesn’t wait. Neither should you.
Resources and Brotherhood
Need help or someone to talk to? Here are some places to start:
Man Up to Cancer Support Group – A place where men facing any kind of cancer find support, camaraderie, and honesty
The Skin Cancer Foundation – Education, support, and screening guides
American Academy of Dermatology – Skin self-exam tools and locator for dermatologists
Wrapping Up
Melanoma is serious—but you are not alone. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, in remission, or supporting someone you love, your experience matters. Your voice matters.
At Man Up to Cancer, we’re here to walk with you—through the surgeries, the scans, the fears, and the triumphs. Because men need support too.
Don’t ignore that mole. Don’t downplay your pain. And don’t isolate yourself when what you really need is connection.
Join us. Share your story. And remind the world: we’re more than skin deep.
