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