ACT men are putting themselves at high risk of skin cancer by shunning sunscreen and wearing tank tops and brimless hats, a new survey shows. 

The Cancer Council ACT says many Canberra men men spend more time outdoors on weekends in peak UV conditions without properly protecting themselves, despite the fact they are more likely to develop skin cancer than women and are far more likely to die from it.

Data released from Cancer Council’s National Sun Protection Survey shows that while the majority of
Canberra men (60 per cent) 25 years and over tend to wear some form of headwear on a typical summer weekend, less than 1 in 3  (more older men than younger men) will wear a hat that actually offers protection to the face, neck and ears from the sun, which are the most common areas for nonmelanoma skin cancers to occur.

Cancer Council ACT SunSmart Services Coordinator David Wild says the favoured baseball style cap “just don’t offer the right kind of protection” on long hot days.

“Canberra men are also less likely than Canberra women to wear longer sleeve tops and pants, wear a brimmed hat that offers protection, wear sunnies, apply sunscreen and spend time in the shade on a typical summer weekend,” he says.

“These findings provide an insight into why men fare worse than women when it comes to skin cancer, including melanoma – the most deadly form of skin cancer.”

In preparation for this year’s Australian Day activities and events, Cancer Council ACT urges Canberra men to swap their baseball caps and singlet tops for a brimmed hat and shirt, use some sunscreen, wear sunnies (a close fitting wraparound style offers best protection) and always seek out shade whenever possible.

If men are concerned about their skin they should talk to their GP.

This summer Canberrans can also download the new (and free) SunSmart App to assist them with their sun protection behaviour and vitamin D needs throughout the year.  For more information on skin cancer prevention and early detection contact Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20 or visit www.actcancer.org