Winter a cancer worry for men
Cooler months aren't necessarily safer months when it comes to the risk of skin cancer for men.
Researchers say males are more likely to develop melanoma than women and are asking for help with an online prevention program.
Troy Rock's idea of safety is shade. It's a lesson his children have learned much earlier than he did.
What started as a mole on his chest spread. Melanoma had invaded 33 lymph nodes.
"I wanted to be brown. I was just a kid, rebellious as you do, and you don't wear your shirt and just go out there and have a surf, go fishing - and you don't think about it," he said.
The 39-year-old has been given a 50/50 chance of surviving five years.
Troy's story is more common than many people may expect. One in 11 men are likely to be diagnosed with melanoma and it's a one in 18 chance for women.
The statistics are the subject of a university study. Researchers believe winter sports may be a contributor.
"When the weather starts to cool down, but there's still ultra-violet radiation, we think people mightn't sun protect as much," researcher Stuart Leske said.
He is looking for men to take part in a survey about attitudes to the sun. The Cancer Council will use the results in an awareness campaign.
"It's really important for people to realise that skin cancer isn't just linked to things like tanning."
Troy is urging others to learn from his mistakes. Delaying a checkup was life-changing for the young father.
"If you don't get it checked out, you end up where I am and it's not good," he said.
Visit the Sun Safety Study website
