Too relaxed about skin cancer

Manawatu has one of the highest melanoma rates in the country – a frightening figure expected to only get worse as the disease becomes more common.

In Manawatu, 50 to 60 people per 100,000 are diagnosed with the cancer, compared to the national rate of 38 per 100,000.

Skin cancers are the most common form of the sickness in New Zealand and experts say the rate of melanoma is expected to increase by 50 per cent over the next two decades.

Those aged over 60 are most at risk, because of the time they spent in the sun without protection when they were young.

Palmerston North woman Hayley, who did not want her last name used, discovered she had a cancerous mole last year. ‘‘I just went numb,’’ she said. ‘‘I don’t think I heard any more of the conversation.

‘‘There are plenty of people who survive it, but that is not very reassuring when it’s you.’’

Hayley said it could have been far worse if she did not get a check when she did.

She went to the doctor to check a mole she’d had for years and thought nothing of.

Instead, her doctor told her it had spread into her lymph node and was cancerous ‘‘I did not realise. ‘‘I thought they chopped them out and that would be that.’’

Hayley said her experience was an eye-opener.

‘‘I don’t think there is enough information out there for people to think differently.

‘‘There is not enough support. It seems to be all about breast cancer and prostate cancer.’’

Her generation had spent a lot of time outside and did not always think about sunscreen, she said. ‘‘It has certainly made me be more careful now.’’

Melanoma is predominantly caused by ultraviolet exposure that causes harm either from the sun or artificial sources such as

tanning beds.

Melanoma New Zealand chief executive Linda Flay said too many people were too relaxed about the risks.

‘‘Many New Zealanders were not aware of the very real risks they faced in their own backyards and perhaps a ‘she’ll be right’ attitude has contributed to New Zealand having the highest incidence rate of melanoma in the world.’’

Melanomas are less common than other skin cancers, but they are the most deadly — killing more than 300 New Zealanders each year and making it more deadly than the road toll.

‘‘It is a real concern and the most important thing is catching them early so they can be treated easily,’’ Flay said.

‘‘Unlike other health epidemics like obesity that are complex to solve, melanoma is mainly preventable and a highly treatable disease if caught early.’’

Cancer Society Manawatu community health advocate Kerry Hocquard said New Zealand had the highest rate of deaths in the world for melanoma.

‘‘Our love of the sun and outdoor activities, and the large proportion of people with fair skin, are contributing factors to our high skin cancer rates.

‘‘Younger people need to be especially careful as one or more episodes of sunburn in childhood and adolescence increases the risk of melanoma in later life.’’

It was still possible to have a great time in the sun, she said.

‘‘Enjoy our parks, beaches and rivers this summer – but don’t forget to take a few simple sun smart steps and have fun safely,’’ Hocquard said.