Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in New Zealand, and Kiwis lead the world in terms of the highest rates. 

According to Cancer Society NZ, Skin cancer is the most common cancer in New Zealand. Along with Australia, we have the highest melanoma rates in the world. Around 500 New Zealanders die of skin cancer every year.

Skin cancer, including melanoma, is estimated to account for 80 percent of all new cancers in the country each year. 

Given my family history of melanoma, they determined I am also the “ideal candidate” for skin cancer. 

I am just 31 years old. 

Both my parents as well as some of my grandparents have had multiple melanomas. 

The reality is that living in this part of the world, this paradise, does come at a cost and our bodies wear that. 

I absolutely recommend every single person get a health check-up, as well as a thorough look at their skin and moles. 

This week, the Sunscreen (Product Safety Standard) Bill, was pulled from the parliamentary ballot, which highlights the need for better regulation and could provide an opportunity to make sunscreen testing mandatory.

In New Zealand, sunscreen is covered as a cosmetic and doesn’t undergo significant testing to prove any claims printed on the bottle. 

You might buy sunscreen and think you are protected, when in reality, you might be simply lathering on a cheap moisturiser marketed as sunscreen. 

This needs to change and companies need to be held to account when making claims, especially when it comes to safety and health. 

The facts behind skin cancer in New Zealand are enough to shock anyone into bathing in sunscreen. 

Sun cancer makes up an estimated 80 percent of all cancer diagnoses in New Zealand each year. 

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. In 2017, melanoma was the third most common cancer diagnosed in both females and males, totaling 2,553 diagnoses. Overall, 378 people died from melanoma in 2015.

Keratinocytic cancers (KC) are by far the most common cancer, although cases of KCs are not routinely reported in the Cancer Registry. 

According to the Cancer Society, a recent study estimated that 90,000 people will be diagnosed with invasive or in-situ KC annually. In 2015, 157 people died from KCs. 

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the first kind of KC, which is easily treated if found early but can be fatal if left untreated.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) - the most common and least dangerous skin cancer - can be serious if left untreated.

The cause of over 90 percent of skin cancer is too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Overexposure to UV radiation causes permanent skin damage.

I might be preaching to the choir here, but it still amazes me how often we “forget” sunscreen, or simply pass it off as “I’m only going outside for a wee while”. 

Skin cancers can be entirely preventable if healthy habits are in force, such as choosing SPF50 sunscreen, wearing long sleeves and a decent hat. 

Please, go see your doctor and get a skin check for anything. You’ll sleep easier.

If this article encourages just one person to create a new, healthier habit, then that is good enough. 

For more information on skin cancer, visit SunSmart. 

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