Mole mapping shows rise in winter melanoma levels

Melanoma diagnosed during New Zealand's winter months is on the rise despite the lack of sunshine.

Cases reported in winter have risen 24 per cent between 2003 and 2005, according to an analysis of New Zealand's cancer registry data carried out by MoleMap.

During the same period melanoma incidence across all seasons increased by 13.5 per cent.

Last winter alone, 737 New Zealanders were diagnosed with melanoma, around 21 per cent of all cases reported throughout the year.

The cooler months dominated the more serious cases of melanoma, with 54 per cent of the advanced melanoma (invasive melanoma over 4mm thick) reported in the last six years being diagnosed in winter or spring.

The consistency of reported incidence of melanoma throughout the seasons was in stark contrast to the lower numbers of patients attending screening appointments during winter.

Adrian Bowling, chief executive of Melanoma surveillance programme MoleMap, said the reasons for the winter increase in incidence were unclear but despite the rapid rise, the statistics might be more positive than they looked.

Mr Bowling said: "Melanoma diagnosis for anyone can be devastating but most of the increase recorded is in early melanoma.

"This may suggest the educational initiatives and surveillance and monitoring procedures available in New Zealand are identifying more melanoma at an early and more treatable stage."

A closer look at the figures showed that although the incidence of melanoma was equal in men and women, 60 per cent of all advanced melanoma was found in men.

In winter the figure was even higher, with around two-thirds of advanced melanoma found in men.

"It is very clear from this analysis that just because the sun isn't shining doesn't mean you can afford to ignore skin changes and we know early diagnosis saves lives," Mr Bowling said.

It is recommended people conduct regular self checks for skin changes and have an annual skin examination done by a medical professional.

- NZPA