Facts and figures

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand.


Most skin cancers are treated by your GP or skin specialist. A much smaller number need treatment at hospital.

Annual Estimates 

Each year in Aotearoa New Zealand:

  • ~90,000 non-melanoma skin cancers are diagnosed.
    • With an estimated health care cost of $314.02 million.
  • ~2,800 invasive melanomas are diagnosed.
    • With an estimated health care cost of $140.56 million.
  • ~4,000 people are found to have in-situ melanoma (melanoma that has not spread to other parts of the body)

The estimated health care cost of skin cancer is $454.60 million. By 2049, the total cost of skin cancer treatment is expected to grow to $689.7 million. 

Melanoma Cases

Deaths

 

 

 

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.

 

 

*Please note, this does not include numbers of deaths, numbers by sex, numbers of Māori cases.

**Please note, this does not provide numbers by sex, or numbers of Māori cases.

***Please note, this does not provide the numbers of in-situ melanoma cases, or numbers of Māori cases.