Men fail to follow skin-cancer advice

WA men are putting themselves at high risk of skin cancer by shunning sunscreen and wearing tank tops and brimless hats, new figures show.

This is despite the fact they are more likely to get skin cancer than women and almost twice as likely to die from it.

Data released from the National Sun Protection Survey today shows WA men spend more time outdoors on weekends in peak UV conditions than men in all other States except Tasmania, and are less likely than women to use sunscreen.

They are also less likely than women to seek shade and cover their legs with sun protective clothing, and only one-third use sunscreen compared with half of women.

Cancer Council WA SunSmart manager Mark Strickland said the findings provided an insight into why WA men were faring worse than women when it came to melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer.

"Blokes are clearly paying the price because in 2009, 643 WA men were diagnosed with melanoma compared with 400 women diagnosed," he said. "Despite decades of sun protection advice, men appear not to be hearing the message that excess sun exposure is dangerous and potentially deadly."

Mr Strickland said the figures came at the height of WA's outdoor season and in the lead-up to Australia Day when people traditionally headed outside.

"It's this incidental sun exposure while you are chatting with your mates around the barbecues or playing a game of backyard cricket that all adds up to increased skin cancer risk," he said.

The survey revealed only 22 per cent of West Australians wore broad-brim hats, with caps or visors being the more popular choice. Only 15 per cent of people wore three-quarter or long-sleeved shirts.

"Caps and visors, singlets and tank tops just don't cut it when it comes to sun protection," he said. "Men appear not to be hearing the message that excess sun is dangerous."