Facts and figures

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in New Zealand.

Most skin cancers are treated by doctors in their communities. A much smaller number need treatment at hospital.

  • It is estimated that over 80,000 Kiwis get non melanoma skin cancer each year.
  • Each year more than 2,000 melanomas are reported to the New Zealand cancer registry.
  • In 2009 it was estimated that $57m was the annual cost of treating skin cancer.  This estimate was before immunotherapy agents such as Opdivo and Keytruda were available.

Figures from The Cost of Skin Cancer to New Zealand - A report to The Cancer Society of New Zealand (2009)

The following boxes summarise the latest figures (2015) from the Ministry of Health.

Melanoma Reported

2,424 people(1,358 males and 1,066 females)

39 Māori(18 males and 21 females)

Fourth most commonly reported (registered) cancer (accounting for 10.7% of all registrations)

Skin Cancer Deaths

535 deaths from skin cancer

8 Māori(5 males and 3 females)

Of these, 378 deaths were from melanoma and 157 deaths from non-melanoma skin cancer

In recent years, more New Zealanders die from melanoma than die on our roads. The good news is that most melanomas can be successfully treated by your doctor.

If you notice any unusual skin changes or see a spot or mole that is different from others, get it checked by your doctor.

 

Comparison - number of deaths from road traffic crashes and skin cancer
  Melanoma Incl. Non-melanoma (estimated) Road
2001 244   440
2002 235   422
2003 285   465
2004 249   436
2005 269   405
2006 287   391
2007 292   427
2008 317   366
2009 326 446 384
2010 324 444 375
2011 359 479 284
2012 354 486 308
2013 356 489 253