2005
Incidence and mortality rates: NSW
- There were 3,505 people diagnosed with melanoma in NSW in 2005 (2,024 male, 1,481
female).
- 460 people died of melanoma in 2005 (319 male, 141 female).
- Melanoma is the fourth most common cancer in males and third in females for incidence on NSW. It was the most common cancer in males aged 25-54 years and in females aged 15-29 years and second most common cancer in women 30-54 years of age.
- 1 in 24 males and 1 in 33 females will develop melanoma by the age of 75.
Trends: NSW
- From 1996 to 2005 the incidence rates of melanoma rose by 16% in males and 24% in females.
- The number of new cases from melanoma is expected to continue to increase up to 3,790 in 2007.
- Mortality rates showed no significant trend in males and females and changed little in 35 years.
- Compared with NSW as a whole between 2001 - 2005, for both males and females, melanoma of the skin was higher in Northern Sydney/Central Coast, Hunter/New England and North Coast Area Health Services. But lower for both males and females in Sydney South West and Sydney West Area Health Services; lower in males in Greater Southern Area Health Service.
Survival
- The five-year relative survival experienced in 1999-2003 in NSW was 88% for males and 93% for females diagnosed with melanoma.
Incidence and mortality rates: national
- An estimated 374,000 Australians were treated for at least one non-melanocytic skin cancer in 2002. These cancers - basal and squamous cell carcinomas - are the most common cancers in Australia.
- 80% of all non-melanocytic skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas, 20% are squamous cell carcinomas.
- Around 400 Australians die of non-melanocytic skin cancer each year - mostly squamous cell carcinomas. (Based on 2003 figures.)
- Melanoma is the fourth most common cancer in Australia.
- Around 9,500 Australians are diagnosed with melanoma each year, and more than 1,100 die of melanoma each year.
- Australians have a 1 in 28 risk of developing melanoma by the age of 75. Men have a 1 in 24 risk; women 1 in 34 risk.
Sun protection
- Minimise your time in the sun between 11am and 3pm (daylight saving time).
- Use shade wherever you can including trees, shelters and umbrellas.
- Slip! on a shirt made from tightly-woven fabric, with sleeves and a high neck or collar and other clothing that covers the skin.
- Slop! on a broad spectrum water resistant sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30+.
- Slap! on a wide-brimmed hat or legionnaire-style cap that shades the face, neck and ears.
- And don't forget the sunglasses in a close-fitting, wrap around style. Make sure they meet Australian Standard AS1067 offering 99% protection from UV rays.
- While skin cancer usually appears in older adults, the damage begins at an early age from exposure to UV radiation, especially sunburn.
Early detection
- The earlier a skin cancer is detected the better the chance of successful treatment. Basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas are successfully treated in almost 100% of cases.
- Be on the look out for: any new spot or unusual freckle, mole, sunspot or unhealing sore; a spot that looks different from other spots around it; a spot that has changed colour, size or shape over a few weeks or months.
- Consult your doctor if you have any of these signs.
For information and counselling call the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20 for
the cost of a local call
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