A new NZ skin cancer infographic

Posted by Skin Cancer Precention | Thu 06 Dec 2018

Kia ora,

As we know, New Zealanders 50+ years are most at risk of skin cancer, and men are twice as likely to die from melanoma as women.

As you may recall (see attached email) earlier this year, HPA contracted Research First to provide an insight into typical attitudes to early detection alongside general behaviours and attitudes toward overall health in working men aged 50 to 64 years of age.

I shared their infographic with you on the 25/9/18.

We have subsequently developed an HPA infographic with technical support from Dr Mary Jane Sneyd.

We have chosen to focus on invasive melanoma and NMSC estimates NOT in-situ (if we combined both in-situ & invasive melanoma & NMSC we would have an estimate of 94,000+ NZ'ers get skin cancer every year).

We have also created a one page summary of Research First’s findings.

Both are available on-line at the following link:
https://www.hpa.org.nz/research-library/research-publications/early-detection-of-skin-cancer-in-men-50-to-64-years-old-summary

The infographic will be useful for health professionals to talk to their patients about:
•the current burden of skin cancer in New Zealand, including melanoma
•the importance of using all five prevention steps and the three free recommended ways to check daily UV levels in New Zealand
•use the ABCDE guide for melanoma – including under E that a new ‘mole’ or freckle can be ‘changing, or becoming bigger, or sticking out or painful.  This is important as nodular and thick melanoma may fail to meet the ABCDE criteria. (Nartey Y & Sneyd M. Aust NZ J Public Health. 2018; The presenting feature of melanoma in New Zealand: implications for earlier detection.
•how to self-check
•if they’re concerned (about a spot, ‘mole’ or freckle) to get a full body skin check by their GP or specialist.*

* the need to check ‘mole’ or freckle concerns with a GP or specialist is consistent with NZ Skin Cancer Primary Prevention and Early Detection Strategy 2017 to 2022   and the MoH Standards of Service Provision for Melanoma Patients in New Zealand – Provisional 2013:

As highlighted in the research summary, the findings suggest that workplaces and/or sports clubs may be an effective way to promote the importance of early detection to men aged 50 to 64 years.

Ngā mihi
Barbara Hegan | Senior Advisor Skin Cancer Prevention