Warning signs

Melanoma is New Zealand's fourth most common cancer, accounting for about 2000 new cases and more than 200 deaths each year. Provisional data for 2006 list 2183 new melanoma cases and 287 deaths. It’s the most common cancer in New Zealanders aged between 20 and 39.

A mole may be harmless. But it could be a melanoma. Look for any of these warning signs:

• Asymmetry – the mole has a lopsided shape.
• Border irregularity – its edges are uneven.
• Colour variation – its colour is patchy.
• Diameter – the mole is more than 6mm across.
• Evolution – it’s changed its shape or has got bigger. 

Who’s at risk?

The risk factors for melanoma are:

• aged 50 or older
• previous skin cancer
• a parent or sibling who has had a melanoma
• more than 50 normal moles or more than 5 large or unusual moles
• fair skin that burns easily
• a history of sunburns.

Having any one of these risk factors means you should check your skin - or have it checked by your partner, GP or dermatologist - on a regular basis.

Non-melanoma skin cancers
Everyone should be aware of non-melanoma skin cancers. Although they’re usually less dangerous than melanoma they’re much more common.

A slowly growing patch that bleeds or ulcerates easily may be a basal cell cancer. An enlarging and tender scaly lump could be a squamous cell cancer. See your GP or dermatologist if you have either of these. 

More information

• New Zealand Dermatological Society: www.dermnet.org.nz
• Cancer Society of New Zealand: www.cancernz.org.nz 0800 CANCER (0800 226 237)
• Melanoma Foundation of New Zealand: www.melanoma.org.nz