KILLER IN THE SKY TAKES HEAVY TOLL
RATES of melanoma in North Queensland are among the highest in the country.
Each year about 20 North Queenslanders die from melanoma, with 179 diagnosed with the deadly skin cancer.
That equates to 69 melanoma cases per 100,000 people, making our region’s figures among the highest in the state, worse than the Far North ( 67), Central ( 58) and Mackay ( 57) regions.
Melanoma was the second highest rate of cancer for men and women behind prostate and breast cancer in the North between 2010 and 2014, according to the latest Cancer Council Queensland data.
Nationally, melanoma ranks fourth behind prostate, breast and bowel cancer, excluding non- melanoma skin cancer.
Cancer Council Queensland CEO Chris McMillan said people in northern states were more likely to die from mela- noma than other Australians.
“Skin cancers and melanoma in Queensland are predominantly caused by overexposure to UV radiation,” she said. “It’s imperative for North Queenslanders to use all five sun protective measures when outdoors, and the UV is three or above.”
Mr McMillan said North Queenslanders with fair skin, skin that burns easily, moles, and a family history of skin cancer were at greater risk of developing melanoma.
Cancer costs more than $ 4.5 billion in direct health system costs but from 2006 to 2011, just $ 1.77 billion in funding was provided for research, according to Cancer Council Australia.
Kirwan mum and beauty therapist Kylie Johnson said after moving from Victoria to Townsville a year ago, she had become more conscious of protecting her daughter Harlow Lincoln, 3, from the sun.
“My kids don’t go outside without sunscreen,” she said.