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2nd October 2026
A study of Australian patients and community members found that melanoma risk prediction tools were generally user-friendly and helpful for understanding personal melanoma risk, with 37% reporting that they would change their prevention or skin-check behaviours.30th September 2026
In her study "Healing The Heel: Early experience of BTM in a regional hospital", Emma Simpson found that Novosorb BTM can support healing of complex wounds, with one heel wound healing without the need for subsequent skin grafting.30th September 2026
This recent NZ study examined how skin cancer diagnosis rates fluctuate over time and relate to environmental factors like UV radiation. The findings revealed that non-melanoma skin cancers (BCC and SCC) consistently peak in late summer and early autumn following high summer UV exposure, whereas malignant melanoma rates remain stable and show minimal seasonal variation.17th September 2026
A recent study of uveal melanoma (UM) found that male sex, lighter eye colour, inability to tan, freckling and high nevus density were associated with increased UM risk, along with a family history of cutaneous melanoma and personal history of keratinocyte cancer. Genetic analyses supported a causal relationship between lighter eye colour, freckling and reduced tanning ability and UM risk, providing further evidence that pigmentation-related traits contribute to susceptibility.14th September 2026
In their study "Are We Missing Melanoma Follow-Up? Surveillance Adherence in a Rural Primary Care Cohort", Li Ning Yong and Zara Bolam examined melanoma follow-up at a rural Taranaki general practice.14th September 2026
This economic evaluation found that oral nicotinamide is a cost-effective and patient-centred strategy for preventing keratinocyte carcinoma (KC), particularly in people with a history of KC who are at high risk of developing multiple primary cancers.14th September 2026
A recent review confirms that parallel ridge and parallel furrow patterns remain important diagnostic features of acral lentiginous melanoma and benign acral lesions, while multicomponent and latticelike patterns may provide additional diagnostic value. As nearly 20% of acral lentiginous melanomas lacked a parallel ridge pattern, identifying additional dermoscopic features may improve diagnostic accuracy.14th September 2026
An economic analysis of the RADICAL trial found that topical imiquimod was substantially less costly than radiotherapy for treating lentigo maligna, with similar clinical outcomes. Imiquimod also required fewer treatment visits, reducing travel time and productivity losses for patients.10th September 2026
A Victorian SunSmart dermoscopy training programme improved GPs’ confidence in dermoscopy, skin cancer diagnosis and prevention. It was also associated with increased skin examinations, lesion excisions and excision of keratinocyte cancers in general practice.1st September 2026
New research has found overwhelming public support for government-led action to prevent skin cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand – providing a strong public mandate for the direction set out in the Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Strategy 2024–2028.29th August 2026
This review highlights that the immune response within a primary melanoma may help predict whether the melanoma is likely to recur or spread. This could help identify which people with high-risk melanoma may benefit from immunotherapy.27th August 2026
The refreshed New Zealand Cancer Action Plan 2026–2029 includes important commitments to preventing skin cancer, strengthening early detection and improving access to consistent care.26th August 2026
AI-assisted deep learning accurately quantified tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (iTILs) in melanoma lymph node biopsies and was strongly associated with major pathological response and longer event-free survival. High iTIL levels combined with high tumour mutational burden (TMB) were particularly predictive, supporting the potential of AI-assisted iTIL scoring to help guide neoadjuvant treatment and future melanoma trials.26th August 2026
A systematic review found that digital visual aids, including smartphone apps and websites, can improve knowledge, attitudes and intentions around regular self-skin examination (SSE), with generally positive effects on health outcomes. Some studies also showed improved detection of malignant skin lesions, although barriers to use and integration with clinical care need to be addressed.24th August 2026
Early detection can significantly improve skin cancer outcomes, making it important that New Zealanders know what to look for and when to seek medical advice. A recent Consumer NZ article brings together expert perspectives from across the skin cancer sector to improve understanding of how skin cancer can be detected early.24th August 2026
An international Phase 3 clinical trial of the personalised mRNA treatment intismeran, given alongside the immunotherapy pembrolizumab (Keytruda), has shown promising results in people with high-risk melanoma following surgery. The trial, involving more than 1,000 people across 26 countries including 45 New Zealanders, found that adding intismeran to pembrolizumab reduced the risk of melanoma returning and spreading to other parts of the body, compared with pembrolizumab alone.18th August 2026
Researchers have identified CD169+ macrophages in the deeper layers of the skin that can naturally contain and suppress melanoma growth. The findings suggest these tissue-resident immune cells could be a potential target for strengthening the body’s innate and adaptive immune response to melanoma.13th August 2026
Skin Cancer NZ is supporting a petition calling for a ban on commercial sunbeds in New Zealand – and we encourage our members and supporter to add their voices by signing it. The petition, submitted by Madison Keay, calls on the House of Representatives to ban the importation, sale, lease, hire and operation of sunbeds and tanning beds in New Zealand.10th August 2026
Researchers have developed and validated a new Melanoma Cancer Awareness Measure (M-CAM) questionnaire to assess how well the public recognises melanoma symptoms and risk factors. The tool could help identify gaps in awareness and support efforts to improve early detection.7th August 2026
A recent Australian study has found that the proportion of melanoma patients receiving sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has remained relatively low over time, despite changes in clinical guidelines. The study highlights differences in access to SLNB based on factors including age, melanoma characteristics, socioeconomic status, and where people live.1st August 2026
Skin Cancer NZ welcomes today's announcement of a $23 million Government investment to expand community-based healthcare, with the first phase focused on improving access to skin cancer assessment, detection and treatment through general practice.20th July 2026
Everyone at Skin Cancer NZ extends our heartfelt congratulations to our Founding Member, Ryan Fox, on his remarkable victory at the Open Championship, one of golf's four major championships.16th July 2026
A review of more than 1,300 patients found that immunotherapy given before surgery significantly reduced melanoma cells in almost half of people with resectable stage III and selected stage IV melanoma. Surgery was usually able to proceed as planned, with low rates of major surgical complications.8th July 2026
Outdoor workers have a high risk of skin cancer due to regular UV exposure, yet a recent Australian study found limited awareness and use of digital tools to support sun protection behaviours. The findings highlight the need for practical, workplace-focused digital solutions that meet the specific needs of people who work outdoors.27th June 2026
The 2026 New Zealand Skin Cancer Summit was held in Wellington last weekend, bringing together clinicians, researchers, policymakers, sector leaders, international experts and people with lived experience from across Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.24th June 2026
The Aotearoa New Zealand Melanoma Clinical Guidelines have been updated and the latest version (4th edition) is now available. This evidence-based resource supports clinical decision-making across melanoma prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment.18th June 2026
Recent research from Australia and New Zealand found kidney transplant recipients are 11 times more likely to die from skin cancer than the general population. This reinforces the need for ongoing regular skin surveillance and timely access to treatment for transplant recipients.8th June 2026
It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of Professor Richard Scolyer, AO.5th June 2026
A presentation at the recent 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting shared five-year results from a major international clinical trial comparing nivolumab alone with a combination of nivolumab and relatlimab in people with advanced melanoma. The findings show that the combination treatment continues to provide longer-lasting disease control and improved survival outcomes, with no new safety concerns identified during long-term follow-up.28th May 2026
Experts highlight that while melanoma detection has improved, widespread screening is also leading to significant overdiagnosis and strain on healthcare systems, prompting a shift toward targeted, risk-based screening, improved diagnostic classification, and careful use of new technologies like AI to better balance benefits and harms.20th May 2026
Immune checkpoint inhibitors have improved outcomes for melanoma, but many patients still do not respond. This review outlines key reasons for treatment resistance and highlights growing evidence that the gut microbiota may influence immunotherapy response. It also considers the potential of microbiota-based approaches to help predict or improve outcomes.20th May 2026
Only some melanoma patients respond to anti–PD-1 immunotherapy, and there is currently no reliable way to predict this in advance. This study identifies DNA methylation and gene expression patterns in tumours that are linked to treatment response and may help guide more personalised treatment in the future.17th May 2026
This retrospective study found that nearly one-third of kidney transplant recipients in Canterbury developed skin cancer, with older age, fair skin, male gender, and certain immunosuppressive medications increasing the risk.16th May 2026
Adolescents' sun safety practices are influenced by social norms and perceived costs, suggesting a need for innovative approaches in skin cancer prevention.16th May 2026
A topical cream activated the skin's immune defences and suppressed tumour growth in two preclinical models of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). The cream works by blocking LSD1, an enzyme that suppresses immune‑activating pathways in the skin.10th May 2026
A recent randomised controlled trial has found that using a prebiotic and panthenol repair balm alongside topical 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) may reduce skin irritation and improve patient comfort during treatment for actinic keratoses.3rd May 2026
Every year, around 100,000 New Zealanders are diagnosed with skin cancer, and more than 500 lives are lost. Yet there is hope — up to 90% of skin cancers are preventable, and almost all are curable when detected early. Building on the legacy of MelNet, Skin Cancer NZ is launching this year as New Zealand’s national authority on skin cancer prevention, early detection, and high-quality care.30th April 2026
Skin Cancer NZ welcomes today’s announcement of a joint $2 million investment from the Government and the Cancer Society into the SunSmart programme during the 2026/27 year.27th April 2026
Evidence on occupational sun exposure and melanoma development is mixed. Some studies show increased risk while others show reduced risk. A pooled analysis found a 45% higher risk when including lentigo maligna melanoma, and a lower risk when it was excluded. Overall, limitations in existing studies mean the role of occupational sun exposure remains uncertain and likely varies by melanoma subtype and individual factors.21st April 2026
Skin cancer rates continue to rise globally, with a disproportionate burden in regional and rural communities where access to early detection is often limited. This recent Australian study demonstrates that nurse-led, community-based skin check models, supported by targeted training and technology, can improve access, build local workforce capacity, and support earlier detection of high-risk cases.14th April 2026
A new study published in the British Journal of Dermatology shows that combining genetic information with traditional clinical risk factors - like age, skin type, and history of sun exposure - can improve how accurately we identify people at higher risk of melanoma. While genetic risk scores performed better than any single clinical factor on their own, the biggest gains came from using both approaches together.11th April 2026
This article outlines the Australian 'If you could see UV' skin cancer prevention campaign. Targeted at young adults, it positions ultraviolet radiation as an immediate and ever-present threat. Using the concept of “ultraviolet arrows,” it demonstrates how targeted, evidence-based messaging can shift perceptions and encourage the adoption of sun protection behaviours.7th April 2026
Skin Cancer NZ welcomes Pharmac’s decision to widen funded access to nivolumab and ipilimumab for people with resectable stage IIIB and IV melanoma, effective 1 May 2026.4th April 2026
A new editorial in Annals of Surgical Oncology suggests that routine ultrasound surveillance for sentinel node–positive melanoma patients may no longer be necessary when cross-sectional imaging is already in use.4th April 2026
A new systematic review confirms that daily sunscreen significantly reduces rates of actinic keratoses and squamous cell carcinoma in immunocompetent adults. Nicotinamide and topical 5-fluorouracil also show preventive benefits, while oral retinoids and DFMO offer limited value due to inconsistent results and safety concerns.29th March 2026
These Guidelines are under review. The 4th edition is expected to be released in June 2026. Clinicians can use the updated draft right now to support best practice care.29th March 2026
Our transition to Skin Cancer New Zealand from MelNet is now complete. We have a fresh new brand and website — take a look around and explore all the resources and information available. We’d love to hear your feedback, ideas, or suggestions as we continue to grow and improve.28th March 2026
With the longest follow-up reported, this Australian study demonstrates that cemiplimab provides durable disease control in advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and that retreatment can be effective for patients whose cancer has returned.26th March 2026
Finnish MSLT-II data show that complete lymph node dissection after a positive sentinel node biopsy does not reduce long-term quality of life. While initial hospital costs are higher, total costs per patient are similar over time.26th March 2026
A study of 3,447 patients shows melanomas arising from pre-existing moles are independently associated with lower risk of recurrence and improved survival.26th March 2026
A study of 1,753 melanomas shows women’s survival advantage is largely due to clinicopathologic features such as tumour thickness, ulceration, and site, rather than sex itself, highlighting the role of early detection and tumour characteristics in outcomes.26th March 2026
A study of US and Queensland data shows women are diagnosed with melanoma 3–8 years earlier than men across most body sites and tumour types, highlighting the need for sex-tailored prevention and early detection strategies.26th March 2026
This trial showed that the Melanoma Care Programme, which combines mental health screening, education, and telehealth sessions, significantly reduced fear of cancer recurrence, anxiety, depression, and stress, while improving knowledge and quality of life in early-stage melanoma patients.26th March 2026
Three-year results from the RELATIVITY-047 trial show that combining nivolumab with relatlimab in advanced melanoma improves overall survival, progression-free survival, and response rates compared with nivolumab alone, with sustained benefit and a safety profile consistent with previous reports.26th March 2026
A new study of over 144,000 Australian patients shows melanoma risk rises sharply once thin tumours reach 0.8 mm in thickness. Tumours under 0.8 mm had excellent survival, while 0.8–1.0 mm tumours carried nearly three times higher melanoma-related death risk.20th March 2026
A recent review of studies from 2020–2024 found evidence that vaping may cause DNA damage, cellular changes, and increased cell growth — all of which are associated with the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma.20th March 2026
New research suggests that circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) could help identify melanoma patients at higher risk of relapse and monitor response to treatment. Patients with detectable ctDNA after surgery had poorer outcomes, while changes in ctDNA levels during therapy reflected whether the disease was returning.20th March 2026
New research suggests that targeted therapy with dabrafenib and trametinib may help reduce the risk of recurrence in patients with BRAF-mutated stage III/IV melanoma who relapse after initial immunotherapy. Patients treated with this approach showed encouraging relapse-free and metastasis-free survival at 12 months.20th March 2026
New research suggests that tailoring treatment based on how patients respond to immunotherapy could improve outcomes in stage III melanoma. Patients with a strong response may safely avoid further surgery or treatment, while those with a poorer response may benefit from additional therapy.4th March 2026
A 2025 national survey found 64% of New Zealand adults were sunburnt last summer, especially young women, while public support for SunSmart programs remains strong, with over 85% backing increased prevention efforts and shaded public spaces.