Skin Cancer in Melbourne and Victoria: The Latest Statistics and What They Mean for You

Melbourne and the broader state of Victoria face one of the highest skin cancer burdens in the world. Despite decades of public health campaigns and sun safety awareness, new data show skin cancer remains a significant concern. Below, we summarise the latest statistics and what they mean for Victorians.

1. Victoria Sees Over 160,000 Skin Cancer Treatments Each Year

According to recent reports, more than 160,000 treatments for non-melanoma skin cancers are carried out annually in Victoria. Non-melanoma skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are the most common cancers in Australia. While they are less deadly than melanoma, they still pose serious health risks if left untreated.

2. Melanoma Diagnoses on the Rise

In 2023, 3,182 Victorians were diagnosed with melanoma, up from 2,884 cases in 2022. This continued rise is alarming, especially given that melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. The breakdown of these 2023 figures shows that:

• 1,860 were men

• 1,320 were women

These figures underline the importance of early detection and regular skin checks, especially for those with a history of sun exposure.

3. Men and Regional Victorians at Higher Risk

Data shows that people in regional Victoria are 54% more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma compared to those in major cities like Melbourne. This may reflect increased outdoor work or recreational exposure without adequate protection. Additionally, men are consistently overrepresented in melanoma diagnoses, indicating a need for targeted education and prevention strategies.

4. Emergency Departments See Hundreds of Sunburn

In the 2023–2024 financial year, 289 Victorians required emergency treatment for severe sunburn. Alarmingly, 137 of these cases occurred in January alone, the peak of the Australian summer. This highlights that dangerous sun exposure continues to be a real-time health issue.

5. High Rates of Sunburn Among Youth

National data reveal that 26% of adolescents and 17% of adults report experiencing sunburn on a typical summer weekend. This frequent sunburn exposure significantly increases the long-term risk of developing skin cancer.

6. Lifetime Risk of Melanoma in Melbourne

In Melbourne, the lifetime risk of developing melanoma is approximately:

• 1 in 14 for men

• 1 in 24 for women

These figures reflect both genetic vulnerability and lifestyle factors, such as time spent outdoors and the use of sun protection.

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Final Thoughts

These statistics make it clear: skin cancer is not just a theoretical risk—it’s a public health issue with a wide-reaching impact across Melbourne and Victoria. Regular skin checks, protective clothing, sunscreen use, and shade-seeking behaviour are simple but powerful tools.

If you live in Victoria, especially in regional areas or spend a lot of time outdoors, be proactive about your skin health. Early detection saves lives.