South Australian Statistics
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In 2007, there were 617 melanoma diagnoses in South Australia and 90 deaths.
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Melanoma is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in males and females (in SA 2007).
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More than 75 per cent of melanomas diagnosed in South Australia are in people aged over 50 with deaths being higher in men than women.
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About 25,000 South Australians are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer each year.
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About 180,000 South Australians report burning each weekend during January and February.
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80,000 adolescents report burning each summer.
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Melanoma incidence rates have increased by 10 per cent in males and decreased by 10 per cent in females in the period 1995-2005.
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Melanoma mortality rates have been steady in both sexes during that period.
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Incidence and mortality rates in South Australia compared with the rest of the world, and melanoma is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in males and females (in SA 2007).
General Statistics
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Approximately 430,000 Australians are diagnosed with a non-melanoma skin cancer every year.
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Two in three Australians will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.
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In 2006, 10,326 Australians were diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer and 1,238 died from melanoma.
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The melanoma incidence rates in Australia and New Zealand are between two and five times higher than those found in Canada, the UK and the US.
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Melanoma is the fourth most common cancer in Australia (behind prostate, colorectal and breast cancers).
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Melanoma is the most common cancer in people aged 12-44 year.
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In SA, 70 per cent of melanomas are diagnosed in people over 50 years.
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Australians have a 1 in 17 risk of getting a melanoma by age 85.
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Relative five-year survival rates for all melanoma are 90 per cent for Australian males and 95 per cent for Australian females.
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If it spreads within the region of the primary melanoma the five-year survival is 65 per cent, dropping to 15 per cent if the disease is widespread.
Prevention
Cancer Council recommends Australians take five steps to protect the skin against sun damage when the SunSmart UV Alert is at 3 or above:
1. Slip on some sun-protective clothing – that covers as much skin as possible.
2. Slop on SPF 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen –20 minutes before going outdoors. Reapply every two hours afterwards.
3. Slap on a hat that protects your face, head, neck and ears.
4. Slide on some sunglasses – make sure they meet Australian Standards.
5. Seek shade.
Skin Checks
Skin cancer caught early generally results in positive treatment outcomes.
People should check all of their skin about every 3 months and if they notice any unusual changes to their skin, they should see their GP immediately.
People should discuss their skin cancer risk with their GP.
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