Gay Men More Likely To Get Skin Cancer Than Straight Men, Study Says
According to a recent study, gay and bisexual men in the United States are twice as likely as straight men to get skin cancer.
One reason for this finding is that gay and bisexual men are three times more likely to engage in indoor tanning. Most anti-tanning messages are aimed at young women, according to professor of dermatology Sarah Arron, and the results of the study are proving the scope needs to be broadened.
"The primary reason that men and women engage in indoor tanning is because of the cultural association of tanning with a healthy look and overall attractiveness," says Arron. "We need to dispel the myth of the healthy tan."
The study says the fact that tan skin is perceived as youthful and beautiful is a main reason gay men are attracted to tanning, despite the known dangers.
Another reason the results are so high for gay and bisexual men may be due to the fact that many avoid regular checkups because of fears they will be discriminated against.
Aaron says indoor tanning may not be solely responsible for the increased cancer risk, so follow-up studies need to look closely at sun exposure and sunscreen usage to figure out what other preventive measures need to be taken.
