A Deep Dive into the Statistics and Trends
The Gold Coast is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant outdoor lifestyle, and thriving tourism industry. However, with its sun-soaked environment comes a significant health concern: skin cancer. Skin cancer is marked by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the skin. The region has some of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, and understanding the specific trends and statistics within the Gold Coast is crucial for effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Estimated cancer incidence in Australia, 2023
Skin Cancer Trends Across the Gold Coast
Data analysis reveals that skin cancer, particularly melanoma, is a common cancer across the Gold Coast, with certain areas showing alarming trends:
Broadbeach-Burleigh:
This area has seen a higher number of newly diagnosed cancers, including skin cancer, highlighting the need for increased awareness and preventive measures.
Coolangatta:
Coolangatta has notably higher rates of melanoma, reflecting the dangers of prolonged sun exposure in this popular coastal area. Prolonged sun exposure in Coolangatta increases the risk of developing skin cancer, emphasizing the importance of early detection and awareness of risk factors such as skin type, history of sunburn, and family history of cancer. Additionally, prostate cancer rates are also elevated, indicating a broader cancer risk profile in this region.
Gold Coast North:
Across all cancer types, Gold Coast North emerges as an area of concern. The high incidence rates, including non melanoma skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, and the total number of cases underscore the importance of targeted public health interventions in this region.
Nerang:
In Nerang, the rates of lung cancer and melanoma are particularly high. Individuals with a history of previous skin cancer may be at higher risk for new lesions in Nerang. This suggests a combination of environmental and lifestyle factors that require further investigation and action.
Ormeau-Oxenford:
This region has higher rates and absolute numbers of cases for breast cancer, colorectal cancer, melanoma, and other skin cancer. The clustering of these cancers points to potential shared risk factors that warrant further study.
Surfers Paradise:
Known for its iconic beaches and bustling tourism, Surfers Paradise shows higher rates of all cancer types, with a particular emphasis on breast, colorectal, melanoma, and common skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The concentration of cases in this area suggests that sun safety and cancer screening initiatives need to be a priority.
Melanoma Skin Cancer: A Leading Cause of Death
Melanoma, a particularly aggressive form of skin cancer, is a significant cause of concern on the Gold Coast. With 214 deaths reported at a rate of 6.5 deaths per 100,000 persons—higher than the national average of 6.0—melanoma was the 16th leading cause of death in the region. The population’s coastal lifestyle, characterized by high levels of sun exposure, is a likely contributor to this statistic. Early detection and treatment are crucial for most skin cancers to improve survival rates.
Estimated cancer mortality in Australia, 2023
Efforts to Combat Non Melanoma Skin Cancer
Recognizing the severity of the skin cancer epidemic, Queensland has launched comprehensive prevention initiatives to reduce the incidence of both melanoma and non melanoma skin cancer. A Skin Cancer Prevention Queensland report, led by leading scientists from QIMR Berghofer and The University of Queensland, aims to reduce the incidence of skin cancer by 5% by 2030 and by 25% by 2050. These ambitious goals are essential given that nearly half of all Queensland adults and children experience sunburn each year, a leading risk factor for skin cancer.
Despite widespread knowledge of the risks, only 1 in 5 adults in Queensland consistently use sun protection strategies during summer. The report highlights the need for a significant cultural shift towards making sun protection—like wearing broad-brimmed hats and applying sunscreen daily—a normative behavior. By 2030, the goal is for around half of all Queenslanders to adopt these practices, alongside a 20% reduction in the percentage of people reporting sunburn.
Age-standardised incidence rates for melanoma of the skin cancer, 1982 to 2019, by sex
High-Risk Groups for Developing Skin Cancer
Certain groups on the Gold Coast are particularly vulnerable to develop skin cancer due to low uptake of sun protection behaviors. Outdoor workers, people engaging in outdoor sports, and adolescents are identified as priority groups for targeted interventions. These populations are at an increased risk due to their prolonged sun exposure, often without adequate protection.
A research team from Southern Cross University has further underscored the risk among outdoor enthusiasts, particularly surfers. Their study found that the prevalence of melanoma skin cancer is 120 times higher in surfers compared to the general population. Swimmers and regular walkers/runners are also at significantly higher risk, with melanoma prevalence 60 times and 80 times higher, respectively. This research highlights the urgent need for regular skin checks and vigilant sun protection among these high-risk groups.
Conclusion
The statistics show that most skin cancers occur on areas of the body frequently exposed to sunlight, painting a sobering picture of a region heavily impacted by this preventable disease. With certain areas like Coolangatta, Nerang, and Surfers Paradise showing particularly high rates of melanoma and other cancers, it’s clear that more needs to be done to protect the community. The initiatives set forth by Queensland’s health authorities aim to reduce skin cancer rates through improved sun protection behaviors and regular screenings. However, achieving these goals will require a concerted effort from all residents, particularly those in high-risk groups, to change the narrative around sun safety and prioritize their health.