More men dying from melanoma

RISING numbers of Queensland men are dying from melanoma.

New figures released today by Cancer Council Queensland show an estimated 220 men die from the disease each year, an increase from 125 men in 1995. The death rates continue to rise at one per cent each year. More than 2000 males are diagnosed each year.

It has sparked a call from Cancer Council Queensland’s chief executive Chris McMillan for men to start prioritising their health as melanoma is one of the most treatable forms of cancer if detected early.

“One in 10 men will be diagnosed with melanoma before the age of 85 in Queensland – more than 2100 each year. Queenslanders with fair skin, skin that burns easily, the presence of many moles and a family history of skin cancer are at greater risk of developing melanoma,” Ms McMillan said.

A total of 3600 Queenslanders are diagnosed with melanoma each year and 59 per cent of those are men.