Data released on Wednesday from the National Sun Protection Survey showed that WA men spent more time outdoors on weekends in peak UV conditions than men in all other states except Tasmania and were less likely than women to use sunscreen or other sun protection measures.

The reports showed men in WA were less likely than women to seek shade and cover their legs with sun protective clothing and were substantially less likely than women to use sunscreen (37 per cent versus 51 per cent respectively).

Cancer Council WA SunSmart manager Mark Strickland said these findings provided an insight into why WA men were faring worse than women when it comes to melanoma.

“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,” Mr Strickland said.

“Despite decades of sun protection advice, men appear not to be hearing the message that excess sun exposure is dangerous and potentially deadly.”

These figures come at the height of WA’s outdoor season when everyone heads 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 per cent of WA men and women wore broad brim hats, with caps or visors being the more common choice.

Further, only 15 per cent of people in WA were 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 Organisation 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.

“Sunscreen is very important but clothing is the best protection of all.

“So be SunSmart and protect yourself in five ways - slip on sun protective clothing, slop on 30 plus broad spectrum sunscreen, slap on a broad brim hat, seek shade and slide on sunglasses.”