Australia has the highest melanoma rates in the world. Melanoma is often referred to as ‘Australia’s national cancer’.

16,800

It is expected that 16,800 Australians will be diagnosed with melanoma this year

30 mins

1 Australian is diagnosed with melanoma every 30 minutes

1300

It is estimated 1300 Australians will die from melanoma this year

6 hours

One Australian dies from melanoma every 6 hours

#3 in Australia

Melanoma is the third most common cancer in Australia

#1 in age 20-39

Melanoma is the most common cancer for Australians aged 20 to 39

#2 in men

Melanoma is the second most common cancer in Australian men, after prostate cancer

#3 in women

Melanoma is the third most common cancer in Australian women, after breast and colorectal cancer

95%

95% of melanomas are caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun

90%

If caught early, 90% of melanomas can be cured by surgery

Research is making a difference

In the last decade, the 5-year overall survival rate for advanced melanoma has increased from <10% to >50%.

In 2011, melanoma was Australia’s 7th most deadly cancer. In 2021, melanoma was Australia’s 11th most deadly cancer.

Source – aihw.gov.au

Further research is vital to achieve our mission of zero deaths from melanoma.