Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in New Zealand, with over 90% of all skin cancers in New Zealand caused by UV exposure. Over time, UV radiation from the sun can harm unprotected skin and damage ourskin cells’ DNA leading to skin cancer.
We know that a skin cancer diagnosis can impact every part of your life. And even though it’s more common in older people, anyone can get skin cancer. You can check the UV level and know how to protect yourself. Download the UVNZ smartphone app today and be SunSmart. Download the app from Google Play or the App Store.
SunSmart Quiz
How many types of skin cancer are there?
A. 1,
B. 2,
C. 3,
D. 17
About 92,000 New Zealanders get skin cancer each year and over 2,700 get melanoma.
True or False?
What’s the most effective way to prevent yourself from getting skin cancer?
A. Slip on a shirt
B. Slop on some sunscreen
C. Slap on a hat
D. Slip into shade
E. Wrap on some sunglasses
F. All of the above
Your monthly donation as a Hope for Life supporter could directly help reduce the number of cases of skin cancer in New Zealand.
True or false?
Answers!
How many types of skin cancer are there?
C. 3
The three main types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma. BCC and SCC are also called non-melanoma skin cancers or keratinocyte cancers.
The total number of skin cancer cases contributes around 80% of all new cancers each year in New Zealand?
True
Sadly, this is true. The total number of new melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) cases contributes around 80% of all new cancers each year.
There are approximately 67,000 new NMSC cases each year. However, providing an exact figure for the number of NMSC is difficult as, unlike melanoma, they are not required to be recorded.
New Zealand’s skin cancer rates are among the highest in the world. Our high skin cancer rates are due to:
- High levels of UV radiation in New Zealand during daylight savings months;
- Low ozone levels over New Zealand;
- Our outdoor lifestyle and tendency to ‘seek the sun'; and,
- A high proportion of people with fair skin.
What’s the most effective way to prevent yourself from getting skin cancer?
F. All of the above
All these measures are important in preventing skin cancer. Skin cancer is largely preventable. Over 90% of all skin cancer cases are attributed to excess sun exposure, so when we protect our skin, we reduce our risk. If people protect their skin and avoid sunburn throughout their lives, their risk of melanoma is reduced.
Your monthly donation as a Hope for Life supporter could directly help reduce the number of cases of skin cancer in New Zealand.
True.
It’s true. We are committed to conducting and funding research that improves outcomes across the entire cancer journey. Cancer Society Wellington is an independent charity and 100% community-funded. Our unique combination of local programs, community engagement and national influence allows everyone who cares about cancer to make the biggest possible difference.
The Cancer Society funds around 50 percent of cancer research in New Zealand, through project grants for scientists and other researchers. This research has international importance, which means that every New Zealander's voluntary contribution plays a vital role in worldwide efforts to prevent and control cancer.