January 25, 2011
New figures show West Australian men continue to put themselves at risk of skin cancer by not using adequate sun protection, despite the fact they are more likely to get skin cancer than women, and are more likely to die from it.
Data released today from the National Sun Protection Survey shows that 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 or other sun protection measures.
The report shows men in WA are less likely than women to seek shade and cover their legs with sun protective clothing, and are substantially less likely than women to use sunscreen (37% vs 51% respectively).
Cancer Council WA SunSmart Manager Mark Strickland said these findings provide an insight into why WA men were faring worse than women when it comes to melanoma – the most deadly form of skin cancer.
"Blokes are clearly paying the price. In 2009, 643 WA men were diagnosed with the most aggressive skin cancer - melanoma, compared to 400 women being diagnosed. And worse, 89 men died of the disease, almost double the number of women (48)”.
“Despite decades of sun protection advice, men appear not to be hearing the message that excess sun exposure is dangerous and potentially deadly,” said Mr Strickland.
These figures come at the height of WA’s outdoor season and in the lead-up to Australia Day when we traditionally head outside for barbecues and recreational activities.
“It’s this incidental sun exposure while you are chatting with your mates around the barbecue or playing a game of backyard cricket that all adds up to increased skin cancer risk,” Mr Strickland said.
The National Sun Protection Survey also revealed that only 22% of WA men and women wear broad brim hats, with caps or visors being the more common choice. Further, only 15% of people in WA are protecting their skin by wearing three-quarter or long sleeve shirts.
“Caps and visors, singlets and tank tops just don’t cut it when it comes to sun protection,” Mr Strickland said.
"The World Health Organization recommends we cover up when the UV index reaches three. We can expect UV index levels to reach 12-13 on most summer days. UV radiation causes irreparable damage, which accumulates over time and can ultimately lead to skin cancer. Sun screen is very important but clothing is the best protection of all”.
“So for a SunSmart Australia Day, do the right thing and protect yourself in five ways - slip on sun protective clothing, slop on 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen, slap on a broad brim hat, seek shade and slide on sunglasses.”
