The geography of melanoma in South Australia

We sought to determine the distribution of melanoma in South Australia with respect to the relative incidence and mortality in coastal/river versus inland areas and metropolitan versus regional/remote areas, and to outline the public health implications of this distribution.

All melanoma cases and deaths for the period 1985-2004 for Adelaide and 11 regional centres were geo-coded and then allocated to ABS collection districts. Collection districts with a centroid within 2 km of the coast or River Murray were determined using mapping software.

Melanoma incidence is higher in coastal South Australia (OR=1.19) and near the River Murray (OR=1.25) than in inland South Australia. This geographical effect remains after adjustment for age and socio-economic status. Incidence is also higher in metropolitan Adelaide than in regional areas (OR=1.10). For melanoma mortality there is no significant effect of living near the coast or river, and no effect of living in regional areas.

Living near the coast or River Murray in South Australia is associated with an increased risk of being diagnosed with melanoma.

Melanoma prevention and acute care programs can be usefully targeted at persons living in coastal and riverine areas, where there is a significant excess of melanoma incidence. This target population is older than inland populations and will require interventions appropriate for aged communities.