Sun exposure adds up over a lifetime, especially here in Aotearoa. Years of unprotected ultraviolet (UV) exposure are a well-established risk factor for melanoma, even if you no longer spend long days in the sun. Skin damage can take decades to show itself. Regular skin checks help catch changes early, when treatment is most effective. If you have a history of significant sun exposure, it is worth having your skin assessed by a dermatologist. Protect your skin today, and do not ignore what it has been through already.
Why lifetime UV exposure matters
UV light injures skin cells. Your body repairs much of that damage, but small errors accumulate with time. In New Zealand’s high-UV environment, those cumulative hits stack up faster, increasing the chance that pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) will acquire changes that lead to melanoma. Intermittent intense exposure (sunburns on holidays, weekends, sport) and chronic daily exposure (gardening, building, outdoor work) both raise risk. Tanning beds add further unnecessary UV.
Key risk factors
• A personal or family history of melanoma or other skin cancers
• Fair skin that burns easily, red or blonde hair, light eye colour, or many moles (especially atypical moles)
• Past blistering sunburns, particularly in childhood or adolescence
• Immunosuppression (medical treatment or illness)
• High cumulative outdoor exposure from sport, recreation or work
Malignant melanoma — why early matters
Malignant melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, arising from melanocytes. It is the leading cause of skin-cancer death worldwide. New Zealand has one of the highest melanoma rates, and Tauranga experiences a particularly high incidence. The chance of cure is closely linked to how deep the melanoma is at diagnosis: the thinner the lesion, the better the outcome. Untreated or late-detected melanoma can spread quickly through the lymphatic system and bloodstream.
Melanoma most commonly appears as a new or changing mole, but can arise on any skin, including the palms, soles and nail units. Do not overlook the scalp, ears, back and backs of legs.
What to watch for — the ABCDEs
• Asymmetry: one half unlike the other
• Border: irregular, notched or blurred edges
• Colour: multiple colours or very dark, especially black/blue
• Diameter: larger than 6 mm (though smaller lesions can be melanoma)
• Evolving: any change in size, shape, colour, elevation, or new symptoms such as itch or bleeding
• A rapidly growing, pink or amelanotic (pale) bump can also be a melanoma. If in doubt, get it checked.
How Skin Centre assesses and treats suspicious lesions
At Skin Centre, specialist clinicians perform dermoscopic examination and, where appropriate, total-body photography to track change over time. If a lesion is suspicious, your specialist will discuss the best method to diagnose and treat it, typically starting with a diagnostic excision under local anaesthetic. If melanoma is confirmed, further treatment may include:
• Wide local excision with margins tailored to the Breslow thickness
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy for selected cases
• Ongoing surveillance and, if required, coordination with oncology for immunotherapy or targeted therapy
We also diagnose and manage Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) and Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), which are common consequences of cumulative UV exposure. Early, precise treatment limits scarring and recurrence.
Who should book a skin check?
• Anyone with a new, changing or non-healing spot
• Individuals with many moles, atypical moles or a personal/family history of melanoma
• Outdoor workers and sport enthusiasts with high lifetime sun exposure
• Patients with fair skin that burns easily or a history of blistering sunburn
• Those on immunosuppressive medication
As a guide, consider an annual full-body skin check, or more often if your specialist recommends it. Self-examine monthly using a mirror or a trusted partner to check hard-to-see areas.
Protect the skin you have
Prevention is still the easiest win. Small, consistent habits reduce risk without asking you to give up the outdoors you enjoy.
• Slip, slop, slap and wrap: wear protective clothing, apply broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen generously (and reapply every two hours, or after swimming/sweating), use a broad-brim hat and UV-rated sunglasses.
• Time your exposure: seek shade and plan activities outside peak UV hours, typically 10 am–4 pm in summer.
• Mind the reflection: water, sand and paving bounce UV back at you.
• Avoid tanning beds: artificial UV carries the same risks without any benefits.
• Set reminders: sunscreen top-ups and re-applications are easy to forget on busy days.
Concerned about vitamin D Sun safety and short incidental exposure are usually sufficient in our climate; if you are unsure, discuss testing and supplementation with your doctor rather than chasing a tan.
The take-home message
Lifetime sun exposure is a powerful driver of melanoma risk. Even if your habits have improved recently, past exposure still counts. The earlier a melanoma is found, the more straightforward the treatment and the better the outcome.
If you have noticed a new or changing spot, or if it has been a while since your last skin check, book an appointment with Skin Centre. Our specialist team provides comprehensive skin checks and tailored treatment for Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Basal Cell Carcinoma. Protect your skin today, and give your future self the best chance of staying healthy.