New Data Guides Targeted Skin Cancer Screening in Australia
25 Mar 2026
The study looks at who is most at risk of dying from skin cancer, based on factors like age, sex, location, ethnic background, and socio-economic status.
Using death rates and data from the 2016 and 2022 Censuses, the AIHW has identified groups at higher risk of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. This information will help the Melanoma Institute Australia, which has $10.3 million in Federal funding, develop a Roadmap for Targeted Skin Cancer Screening in collaboration with the AIHW, Cancer Australia, healthcare networks, clinicians, and states and territories.
Key Findings:
- Australia has the world’s highest rate of melanoma, the 10th most common cause of cancer deaths, while non-melanoma skin cancer is in the top 20.
- In 2025, around 2,300 Australians died from skin cancer. Melanoma death rates are roughly double those for non-melanoma skin cancer.
- Higher death rates are seen among people with disability, those in low socio-economic or rural/regional areas, and people of Oceanian and North-West European heritage.
- Melanoma death rates rise from age 60–64, while non-melanoma cancers rise from 70–74. Rates are higher in males than females.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have lower melanoma death rates but similar non-melanoma rates compared to non-Indigenous Australians.
Expert Insights:
Dr Tracey Purnell, RACGP Specific Interests Dermatology Chair, said the report confirms known risks but provides useful data to focus on higher-risk groups rather than screening everyone. She highlighted cases where people with disability or in rural areas can miss early detection, and noted economic pressures make it harder for some to access checks.
The final Roadmap report for the Australian Government is expected in September 2028.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)