People living in regional Victoria are more likely to be diagnosed with and die from melanoma than people living in our state’s major cities, according to concerning figures highlighted today by SunSmart.
The latest report by the Victorian Cancer Registry (VCR) found that 3,179 Victorians were diagnosed with melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer – in 2024.
More than one third (1,150) of these diagnoses occurred in regional Victoria, where people are 51% more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma compared to people living in major cities.
Notably, the data also shows people in regional Victoria are 35% more likely to die from melanoma than their counterparts living in major cities (greater Melbourne and Geelong).
Director of the VCR, Professor Sue Evans, says these figures reveal an equity gap when it comes to melanoma diagnoses and outcomes.
“From towns along the Victorian coastline to agricultural plains and the goldfields, our regional areas are known for their beautiful outdoors and unique outdoor lifestyle. But data we’re spotlighting today shows these communities are also harder hit when it comes to melanoma.”
“Regional Victorians are more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma than those living in major cities and face poorer survival outcomes too. This gap raises serious equity concerns.”
While melanoma is the most dangerous skin cancer, the number of non-melanoma skin cancers across Victoria reveals the scale of the public health challenge.
Medicare records show that in Victoria there’s been an increase in treatments for non-melanoma skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. An estimated 170,743 treatments were recorded in Victoria in 2024 – up from 164,736 in 2023 and 151,355 in 2022.
Head of SunSmart Victoria, Emma Glassenbury, says that 95% of melanomas and 99% of non-melanoma skin cancers are caused by overexposure to the sun’s UV radiation, but the good news is skin cancer is largely preventable with the use of sun protection.
“While the exact causes are still being understood, it’s possible the higher melanoma burden in regional communities is partially due to greater UV exposure from outdoor work and lifestyle, as well as barriers to early detection.”
“But we must remember skin cancer isn’t inevitable; it’s one of the most preventable cancers. This data’s a powerful reminder that Victoria cannot afford to skimp on prevention programs and campaigns that help save lives, ease the burden on our health system and reduce health inequities.”
Louise Bibby grew up in rural Victoria and now works in Swan Hill. Skin cancer has unfortunately impacted three generations of her family, so she knows all too well the toll.
“From my grandparents to my father and my siblings, skin cancer has affected multiple generations of my family — with melanoma through to basal and squamous cell carcinomas.”
“My first skin cancer appeared on my hairline at the age of 22 and I’ve since had several more surgeries on my face, nose, scalp, and chest. These experiences have transformed how I think about skin cancer prevention, early detection, and ongoing monitoring.”
“Nowadays, you won’t catch me outside without sun protection gear, and I encourage my community, and my young nieces and nephews, to do the same. We need to break this cycle in our family — I want the next generation to be SunSmart and skin cancer-free.”
To prevent skin damage and lower your skin cancer risk, Ms Glassenbury suggests making a habit of checking the UV levels daily so you don’t get caught off guard.
“Victorian summer means extreme UV levels on most days. That’s why we encourage these five simple and potentially life-saving steps whenever the UV is 3 or above: slip on covering clothing, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek shade and slide on sunglasses.”
Visit sunsmart.com.au to learn more or download the free SunSmart Global UV App for sun protection times in your location.
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About the VCR: Reported data on melanoma diagnoses and mortality came from the Victorian Cancer Registry at Cancer Council Victoria, as part of its annual publication Cancer in Victoria 2024. This publication contains the world’s most up-to-date cancer incidence and mortality information.