Facts & Figures

What is melanoma?

• Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer
• Melanoma can spread rapidly and can be life-threatening if left untreated

How common is melanoma?

• New Zealand and Australia have the highest melanoma incidence rates in the world
• Melanoma is the fourth most common cancer in New Zealand, with more than 2000 cases a year
• In 2008 317 people died from melanoma in New Zealand - 202 men and 115 deaths women
• 70% of melanoma cases occur in those 50 years and older
• Melanoma is reasonably common in younger age groups. Significant numbers of men and women between the ages of 25 and 44 get melanoma. 30% of cases occur in those younger than 50 years.
• Melanoma rarely occurs in children
• Death rates are higher among men and appear to be increasing

Click below for a full article summarising the facts about melanoma: