McGill finds men, wealthy people, more likely to develop skin cancer

While P.E.I. and N.S. have the highest incidence rate of melanoma in the country, N.B. and N.L. have rates below or comparable to the Canadian average. The study found higher-income individuals had an increased risk of melanoma. Risk factors contributing to this include more lifetime sun burns, tanning bed use and being tanned. However, the study also showed that individuals earning less than $50,000 a year were more likely to work outdoors and experience occupational sun exposure, placing them at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. These findings suggest that policies to protect outdoor workers could reduce melanoma risk. The study also found women had less sun exposure and practiced more sun protection compared to men.