The Geographical Distribution of Malignant Melanoma in Queensland

Data concerning 1,100 patients treated for malignant melanoma in Queensland were analysed in order to estimate the regional incidence. The death rate from malignant melanoma is increasing in Australia and it is higher in Queensland than in the southern States. It was thought that this would be reflected in a higher incidence the further north one went in Queensland. However, it appears there is a higher proportion of patients on the coastal plains and the incidence of melanoma is no higher in the northern parts of the State. This may be related to sun exposure