Skin cancer cases rise

Summer reveals melanoma increase

A GEELONG pathologist has reported an increase in melanoma diagnoses in the region this summer.

Pathology Awareness Australia’s Dr David Clift has diagnosed at least three malignant melanomas in three days last week, up from an average of one a fortnight. He said the rise was a result of the warmer weather.

“As the temperatures rise, people are wearing less layers and noticing abnormal spots that may have been hidden during the colder months,” Dr Clift said.

Men are more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma, with people in their 20s, 30s and 40s most likely to be affected.

“Melanomas mostly occur on the torso in men and on the legs in women where they can form slowly over time,” Dr Clift said.

“When people strip off to their swimmers, that’s often when they notice the changes in their skin.”

The G21 2014 Greater Geelong Profile report wrote an average of 110 melanoma cases were diagnosed in Geelong each year, making it the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the region. The most recent Victorian Cancer Registry suggests this number has risen to 112.

Cancer Australia data shows 10.4 per cent of all national cancer cases diagnosed in 2017 were melanoma, with the cancer leading to 3.9 per cent of cancer deaths. Between 2009-13 Australians diagnosed with melanoma had a 90 per cent chance of living at least five years after diagnosis. In 2017 around 1280 men and 559 women died from melanoma.

Dr Clift said residents need- ed to be vigilant about checking their skin and ensuring they saw their doctor if they noticed any changes.

“In the lab we are diagnosing more patients with melanoma this summer — at least three per week,” Dr Clift said.

“The good news is that most of these melanomas are being caught in the early stages when they are most curable.”

Catching a melanoma in its early stages is one of the most important factors in improving patient outcomes. When the tumour is thin and has not invaded downwards from the surface, it is less likely to have spread to other parts of the body so it’s easier to control. If detected early, melanoma can be treated with surgery.

“If you notice something different — act on it. The difference could be a change in colour — lighter or darker — or it could be a change in shape,” Dr Clift said.

“A mole could become sore or itchy — it might even bleed. An early diagnosis significantly increases the chance of cure — the worst thing you can do is ignore it.”