Melanoma
Australia has one of the highest melanoma rates in the world: about 17,400 new cases a year. Most are found as a new or changing spot, and found early, almost everyone is cured.
A tan is your skin filing a damage report. Nobody needs that much paperwork.
See your GP soon for a new spot, or a mole that’s changing in size, shape or colour, looks different from your other moles, bleeds, itches or won’t heal. A fast-growing, firm, raised red or skin-coloured lump needs to be seen within days.
The numbers
- About 17,400 new cases a year in Australia: the third most common cancer here (2025 estimates)
- About 1 in 19 Australians are diagnosed by age 85
- 94% are alive 5 years after diagnosis
- About 1,450 deaths a year, mostly from melanoma found late
What to look for
- Change is the most important sign: size, shape, colour or height
- An ugly duckling: a spot that looks different from your others
- Uneven shape or edges, several colours, or bigger than about 6 mm
- Nodular melanoma is the exception: firm, raised, often one colour (even pink), and fast. Don’t wait on it
- Melanoma can appear anywhere, including soles, nails, scalp and places the sun doesn’t reach
Who is at higher risk
- Lots of moles, or large unusual-looking moles
- Fair skin that burns easily, red or fair hair, freckles
- A past melanoma, or a parent, brother or sister with melanoma
- Lots of sunburn, especially in childhood, and any solarium use
- A weakened immune system
Solariums were banned in Australia in 2015. If someone is still selling a ‘base tan’, they are selling skin cancer with extra steps.
Prevention
- Slip, slop, slap, seek, slide whenever the UV index is 3 or more
- SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen, reapplied every 2 hours and after swimming
- Check the daily UV forecast (the SunSmart app is free)
- Get to know your own skin and check it every few months. Ask your GP how often you need a skin check
Tests and treatment
- Your GP or skin doctor looks with a dermatoscope and may photograph spots to compare later
- Suspicious spots are cut out and sent to the lab
- Thin melanomas: a wider cut around the scar is usually all that’s needed
- Thicker ones may need a sentinel lymph node check
- Advanced melanoma: immunotherapy and targeted drugs have transformed survival. Australian researchers helped lead this
Save your money
Popular, heavily marketed or often asked about, but the evidence is weak or says no.
- Mole-mapping apps as a diagnosisHandy reminders to check, but they miss melanomas. A changing spot needs a person to look.
- Black salve and ‘natural’ mole removersThey burn the skin, can leave cancer behind and hide the evidence. Dangerous.
Common questions
What does early melanoma look like?
Usually a new spot or a mole that’s changing. Look for uneven shape, several colours, growth, or a spot that looks different from your others. Fast, firm, raised lumps need checking within days.
How often should I get a skin check?
It depends on your risk. People at high risk (many moles, past melanoma, strong family history) need regular checks. Ask your GP what suits you, and check your own skin every few months.
Is melanoma curable?
Yes, especially when found early. 94% of Australians are alive 5 years after diagnosis, and immunotherapy now helps many people with advanced melanoma.
Helpful resources
- Cancer Council 13 11 20Information and support line for anyone affected by cancer. Free.
- Melanoma Institute AustraliaInformation on melanoma and skin checks.
Evidence and more information
maladywise.com/melanoma/