Which countries have the highest rates of skin cancer?

The American Institute for Cancer Research website have compiled a list of 20 countries with the highest skin cancer incidence rates. The data used relates to 2018.

Australia is ranked 1st for melanoma incidence rates at 33.6 per 100,000 of population. This has equated to between 1,400 and 2,000 Australians dying from melanoma per annum in recent times.

New Zealand (33.3 per 100,000) is ranked 2nd, with Norway, Denmark and Netherlands rounding out the top 5 countries with the highest rates of melanoma.

The UK is ranked 14th and the US and Canada are 17th and 19th respectively.

The American Institute for Cancer Research also compiles the list by gender.

As noted in other Solbari skin health blogs, the incidence rate of skin cancer amongst men is materially higher than it is for women in Australia. Men often have jobs which expose them to intermittent sun. Other reasons for a higher incidence rate amongst men include being less likely to protect themselves with UPF 50+ clothing or to get their skin checked by a medical expert.

The Institute notes that Non-melanoma skin cancer rates are not collated universally by health authorities around the World.

However, on the basis that 1m cases of non-melanoma were diagnosed globally each year (likely to be a gross underestimate as over 500,000 are reported in Australia alone), it would make it the 5th most common cancer in the world. Melanoma is noted as the 19th most common cancer in the world.

The best way to prevent skin cancer according to dermatologists is to wear UPF 50+ sun protective clothing, a broad brim sun hat and apply a sunscreen to exposed skin with a SPF rating at least 30.

Solbari offers an award-winning range of sun protection products in including UPF50+ sun protective clothing, sun hats, UPF 50+ arm sleeves, UV driving gloves and sun protective umbrellas.