Cancer Council Victoria’s recently released annual Victorian Cancer Registry has revealed that melanoma cases are rising with people living in regional areas and men most likely to be diagnosed.
Cancer Council Victoria’s SunSmart program is reminding Victorians to stay vigilant about sun protection this summer, as data shows melanoma diagnoses are on the rise with 3,182 Victorians (1,860 males and 1,320 females) diagnosed with melanoma in 2023, up from 2,884 new cases in 2022.
1,205 of these new cases came out of regional Victoria, where people are 54% more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma than Victorians living in major cities.
Yarrawonga and Mulwala Medical Clinic owner and practioner Dr Ayon Guha said there are several reasons he has seen case numbers increase in the local region.
“Two reasons I have seen is that we are actually becoming far better at detecting it because of technology and the fact that patients are turning up for us to have a look at things because they think that there is something abnormal,” Dr Ayon said.
“Another reason on the other end of the spectrum I have also seen is the whole slip, slop, slap information teenagers actually seem to be ignoring.
“The primary school kids are okay but then by the time they become teenagers they ignore it and then they become adults and somewhat get back into it.
“The older generation is very much into it, but between 15 to 20, they're not very serious about it.
“I've seen a few young ones getting detected which was not very common previously.
“My average detection of melanoma, say before Covid was about four to six a year. But in the last few months I've already detected three.
“Squamous cell is more prevalent and there's more prostate cancers cropping up.”
So what does Dr Ayon advice we can we do to reduce numbers?
“It's for messaging to continue. I think one of the things is we need to make a bit more concentrated effort for year nine to 12 students,” Dr Ayon said.
“Putting on nice makeup and clothing is good, but this is also equally important.”
This is why it is timely that an important and powerful documentary tackling melanoma prevention and early detection ‘Conquering Skin Cancer’ will be screening at the Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort Cinema from February 13 to 19.
With Melanoma often called Australia’s national cancer, and in regions like Yarrawonga, where outdoor lifestyles are the norm, awareness and early detection can be life-saving.
‘Conquering Skin Cancer’ is not your average documentary; it’s a compelling social impact film with a mission to prevent skin cancer.
The film weaves together compelling and emotional stories from survivors, advocates, and world-leading experts, the second instalment in the international ‘Conquering Cancer Campaign’ delves into how everybody can live safely under the sun.
‘Conquering Skin Cancer’ features prominent and beloved voices in this important space including Olympian Cate Campbell, World Champion Surfer Wayne ‘Rabbit’ Bartholomew, and beloved Australian actor Hugh Jackman as well as inspirational activists such as Jay Allen (Australia Skin Cancer Foundation), Tamara Dawson (Melanoma and Skin Cancer Advocacy Network), Scott Maggs (Skin Check Champions) and Anne Gately (Author, “Sunburnt”).
This screening is part of a national campaign dedicated to educating communities and encouraging proactive skin health measures.
In a country where the “bronzed Aussie” image has led to more skin cancer deaths than road accident fatalities, the World Health Organisation predicts a staggering 68% increase in melanoma deaths by 2040.
However, the latest VCR report showed the rate of melanoma among Victorians aged 25-49 has declined by 52% since 1997 — coinciding with a generation of Victorians who grew up with iconic SunSmart “slip slop slap” messaging from the 1980s, now expanded to include slide (on sunglasses) and seek (shade).
Mr Ayon agreed that this screening will increase the awareness for sure.
“One of the things that you will notice with people is that they know it is there, they should be doing it, but there is always a little bit of ignoring things in the long run,” Dr Ayon said.
“This kind of screening and campaigns brings it back into the focus so that is always useful.
“It is good because it keeps on reinforcing the message and people who have fallen off the wagon can get back on and get checked.”
"It's encouraging to see skin cancer prevention through the SunSmart program listed as a priority in the Victorian Government’s Victorian Cancer Plan,” Ms Glassenbury concluded.
“Government funding for programs and campaigns that promote sun safety and early skin cancer detection—especially for priority populations —is a vital and important investment that saves lives and reduces the eventual costs on the health system.”
Head of SunSmart at Cancer Council Victoria, Emma Glassenbury, said exposure to the sun’s UV radiation accounts for most melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer, capable of spreading to vital organs like the brain, lungs and liver.
“The good news is melanoma is one of the most preventable cancers, yet it remains the fifth most common in Victoria, accounting for 8% of all new cancer diagnoses in 2023,” Ms Glassenbury said.
"We think the Victorian rise in reported melanoma detection may be partially explained by growing and aging population in Victoria and fewer cases during COVID-19, so we are seeing larger numbers of melanoma now with a 10% rise in cases between 2022-2023.
“While less deadly than melanoma, treatment of basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas often still involve confronting surgical procedures and place a significant financial burden on the Victorian health system.”
Visit sunsmart.com.au to learn more or download the SunSmart Global UV App.
The final showing times of ‘Conquering Skin Cancer’ at the Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort Cinema are 4.30pm on Wednesday, February 19 and 10.30am on Thursday, February 20.
To book your tickets, visit www.yarragolf.com.au.
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