'This is a warning for men': Blokes over 45 twice as likely to die from melanoma than women

Victorian men aged 45 and over are twice as likely to die from melanoma than women of the same age, a new Cancer Council study has found.

The research also revealed men are 41 percent more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma than women.

Cancer Council Victoria's Director of Prevention Craig Sinclair said it was "a warning for men" and they needed to be more vigilant about protecting their skin or the statistics will only get worse.

"We know they spend more time outside during UV peak times, yet are less likely to use sun protection compared with women," he said.

A separate survey found a number of factors contributed to the imbalance, including men having a reduced likelihood of seeing a doctor, wearing a hat or using sun protection.

While more men wore broad-brimmed hats than women, only one quarter of men wore sunscreen. Only 10 percent of those men who wore sunscreen reapplied after two hours.

Epworth Hospital's Director of Dermatology Rod Sinclair said men aged over 45 need to be aware of how important early detection of melanoma is.

"Almost all skin cancers can be successfully treated if found at early stages," he said.

"Left untreated a skin cancer such as melanoma can become life-threatening in as little as six weeks."

The study is part of National Skin Cancer Action Week, which the Cancer Council runs in conjunction with the Australasian College of Dermatologists.