According to the Victorian Cancer Registry, 3182 Victorians — 1860 males and 1320 females — were diagnosed with melanoma in 2023, jumping from 2884 new cases in 2022.
There were 1205 new melanoma cases in regional Victoria in 2023, making populations outside of major cities 54 per cent more likely to be diagnosed.
Between 2021 and 2023, people living in the Loddon Mallee Integrated Cancer Service region were 29 per cent more likely to be diagnosed compared to the state average.
Head of SunSmart at Cancer Council Victoria Emma Glassenbury said exposure to the sun’s UV radiation causes most melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer.
“The good news is melanoma is one of the most preventable cancers, yet it remains the fifth most common in Victoria,” she said.
“We think the Victorian rise in reported melanoma detection may be partially explained by growing and ageing population in Victoria and fewer cases during COVID-19.”
The numbers reported do not capture the 164,737 treatments for other forms of skin cancer in Victoria in 2023, Ms Glassenbury said.
“While less deadly than melanoma, treatment of basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas often still involve confronting surgical procedures,” she said.
Encouragingly, melanoma rates among Victorians aged 25 to 49 have declined by 57 per cent since 1997, coinciding with campaigns from SunSmart.
Acting Health Minister Ingrid Stitt urged Victorians to take the risk of sun damage seriously.
Monitoring UV levels and using sun protection reduces the chance of being diagnosed with melanoma and other skin cancers, Ms Stitt said.
“Australia has some of the highest UV levels in the world, and all it takes is 11 minutes outdoors without sun protection to cause damage to our skin,” she said.
“Whether at the beach, working outdoors or spending time in the garden, Victorians should protect themselves by covering up, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, and seeking shade.”
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