Go Spotty For Melanoma Awareness

Go Spotty For Melanoma Awareness

Northland has one of the highest incidence rates of melanoma in the world and, with March being Melanoma Awareness month, now is a good time to get your spots checked, says a local general surgeon and consultant.

New Zealand has the highest incidence rate of melanoma in the world and Northland is identified as one of three regional centres in the country at the top of the list, says Whangarei-based general surgeon and consultant Nita Bartlett who has a special interest in melanoma.

“Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. It can spread rapidly and can be life-threatening if left untreated.”

Northland, the upper North Island and Bay of Plenty have been identified as being at increased risk of developing melanoma, given the longer sunshine hours, the strength of the UV radiation, the low ozone levels and a more outdoor lifestyle, says Mrs Bartlett, who has treated melanoma patients as young as 16.

“A large majority of the patients I see are male and have had occupations such as farming, fishing and building, exposing them to high doses of UV radiation," says Mrs Bartlett, who deals with primary, metastatic and recurrent melanoma.

This is backed by a Melanoma New Zealand spokesperson who says, “Male registrations are nationally slightly higher than women but, more alarmingly, is the death rate being very much higher for men. Assumptions are that men aren’t as good at getting checked and don’t go to the doctor as often (resulting in) more advanced melanomas.”

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun is the main cause of skin cancers in New Zealand. People who work outdoors, such as farmers and construction workers, have a high risk of getting skin cancers. Even on cloudy days, the solar ultraviolet radiation level (UV light) may be sufficient to be harmful.

In New Zealand melanoma is the third most common cancer in both sexes and is more common in male patients. It is the fourth most common cancer in New Zealand.

Says Mrs Bartlett: “A prompt assessment of unusual skin changes by your GP, followed by a biopsy and referral to a surgeon, will, in most cases, mean an early diagnosis and better outcome.”

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