Melanoma deaths set to explode in less than 20 years

Melanoma deaths are predicted to increase at a shocking rate in less than 20 years, researchers say.

Melanoma deaths are predicted to rise by a shocking 68 per cent in less than 20 years, new international research that includes the work of QIMR Berghofer researchers has discovered.

The findings, released on Thursday, show that rates of the lethal disease are higher in Australia and New Zealand than any other country.

Based on the cancer rates from 2020, the authors estimate the global burden from melanoma will increase almost 50 per cent to 510,000 new cases, and up 68 per cent to 96,000 deaths by 2040.

Queensland melanoma researcher Professor David Whiteman from QIMR was part of the analysis team and told The Courier-Mail that the ageing population played a big part in the grim projections.

“Typically, melanoma incidence rises with age, so having an older population in the next 20 years adds to the burden of the disease,” he said.

Four-year-olds Aurora Alderton, Fletcher Egan and Lucinda Bourke love being sun smart. Picture: Nigel Hallett

The report, published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, reveals that in 2020, 42 men per 100,000 persons and 31 women per 100,000 were diagnosed with melanoma in Australia and New Zealand.

The extensive study highlights that the disease remains a serious problem. In 2020, there were 1880 melanoma deaths in the two countries.

“The numbers are a concern, but it’s important to point out that early detection and medical treatment has improved dramatically, but it is the number of cases that are rising,” Professor Whiteman said.

He said the teenage years were a particular problem in Australia.

“We are good at having sun-safe measures in place in childcare centres and in schools, but it’s the later years when young Australians become risky.

“The good lessons learnt early often don’t seem to stick,” Professor Whiteman said.

Despite melanoma being a preventable disease, it is the skin cancer of most concern due to its high potential for metastasis.