Molemap staff say melanoma numbers 'hugely concerning'

Rotorua residents are being urged to be more proactive when it comes to protecting themselves from melanoma.

More than 300 New Zealanders died from melanoma last year.

Molemap Rotorua melanographer Lara Wild said this number was hugely concerning and it was important for people to be more aware of the risks the sun posed to their skin.

She said it was crucial for people to regularly assess the moles on their skin and look out for any changes or irregularities in the colour, size or shape of their moles.

Some of the things to look out for are a mole with a different shape on one side to the other, ragged or blurred edges, pigment spreading into the surrounding skin or uneven colour, she said.

Mrs Wild encouraged people to get a mole map, which was available at Rotorua's Central Health for about $300.

"It is a little bit pricey but it is a valuable investment.

"Hopefully we will soon see the Government come on board and help subsidise them like in Australia."

Mrs Wild said getting a mole map was a simple process, which involved an hour long consultation where photos were taken of all the moles on a person's body. Then if there were any moles that looked cancerous they could be further assessed and treated early.

"Early detection is really important. The earlier a melanoma is detected, the earlier it can be treated and the less likely it will be fatal.

"It's so crucial that people are more aware about melanoma and know exactly what to look out for but they also have to be proactive enough to act on that knowledge and go straight to their GP or to get a mole map to get it checked."

For more information visit www.molemap.co.nz.