Australia has the highest melanoma rates in the world. With our outdoor lifestyle and strong UV exposure, skin cancer is something many Australians will face in their lifetime. In fact, melanoma is the most common cancer affecting Australians aged 20 to 39, and one Australian is diagnosed every 30 minutes.

At Mount Hutton Medical & Skin Cancer Centre, we are passionate about skin health and helping our community detect skin cancers early when treatment is simpler and outcomes are better.

 

What is Melanoma? 

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. It develops in the cells that give skin its colour (melanocytes). Unlike some other skin cancers, melanoma can grow deeper into the skin and spread to other parts of the body if it isn’t treated early.

The concerning part is that melanoma doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes it can appear as a small change in an existing mole or a new spot that just looks a little different.

The encouraging news is that when melanoma is found early, the vast majority can be successfully treated with a simple surgical procedure.

 

The Reality in Australia 

Melanoma continues to have a significant impact across the country:

• One Australian is diagnosed every 30 minutes
• Around 1,300 Australians die from melanoma each year
• Most melanomas are caused by UV exposure from the sun
• Early detection can save your life

These statistics highlight why prevention and regular skin checks are so important — even if you feel healthy.

 

What Should You Look For? 

You don’t need to be an expert to notice changes in your skin. The key is paying attention to anything new, changing, or unusual.

Some warning signs include:

• A new mole or spot
• A mole that changes in size, shape, or colour
• Irregular edges or uneven colouring
• A spot that bleeds, becomes crusty, itchy, or won’t heal