The Cancer Institute NSW’s newly released melanoma hotspot map reveals Ballina, Lismore, Byron, Clarence Valley and Coffs Harbour local government areas (LGAs) have the state’s highest rates of melanoma, with almost 350 cases projected to be diagnosed in those areas in 2024.
Sutherland Shire, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Tweed and Kempsey and Richmond Valley LGAs are also in the state’s top 10 melanoma hotspots, while Mosman, Mid-Western Regional, Shoalhaven, Cessnock and Wagga Wagga LGAs have entered the top 25.
Kiama is ranked 12th and Wingecarribee 24th.
Melanoma is one of the most common cancers among young Australians and the third most diagnosed cancer in NSW, with more than 5000 people expected to be diagnosed in the state in 2024.
As the most serious form of skin cancer, melanoma can be deadly and is projected to take the lives of close to 500 people across NSW this year.
