Skin cancer

New Zealand and Australia have the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.

More than 60,000 people develop skin cancer each year in New Zealand. In 2005, 371 people died from skin cancer, including 269 deaths from melanoma (the most recent data available).

The major cause of skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Sunburn now could lead to skin cancer later in life – no matter what your skin type.

While skin cancer usually appears in older adults, the damage begins at an early age from exposure to UV radiation from the sun, especially sunburn.

People with fair skin burn more quickly than people with darker skin and are more likely to develop skin cancers. People with naturally darker skin (eg, Māori, Pacific and Asian people) have more protection against UV radiation. However, they can still get skin cancer.

In this section:

• Skin cancer facts
• Beginnings of skin cancer
• Types of skin cancer
• Who is at risk?
• Checking your skin
• Diagnosis and treatment
• Who's involved in New Zealand
• Research and statistics
• Common questions answered