QIMR Berghofer (formerly Queensland Institute of Medical Research) has announced the latest release of its world-leading melanoma risk predictor.
Melanoma risk predictor
Built on a decade of data collected from over 40,000 participants in QIMR’s landmark QSkin Study, QIMR’s online tool was originally launched in 2018. Thanks to the newly announced advances, it now includes 16 self-reported factors including age, skin type, hair colour, and history of sunspots.
“Early identification of people who are high-risk can prompt more regular skin checks and targeted follow-up, while sparing lower-risk people from unnecessary screening or procedures. This tool is our best approach yet to allow our medical teams to focus on the people and areas of greatest need,” explained QIMR Berghofer Professor David Whiteman AM.
The financial toll of melanoma
Close to 17,000 Australians will die of melanoma, the most dangerous of all skin cancers, in 2025. It’s the most diagnosed cancer in young Australians aged 20-39 years. Yet the latest research shows most of them (74%) “believe their risk of getting skin cancer is unlikely.” Global tanning trends fueled by a social media culture of ‘content for clicks’ and misinformation aren’t helping.
Treatment for melanoma patients takes a “vast financial toll” on Australia’s healthcare system. QIMR Berghofer health economists have estimated that the direct costs of treating melanoma via the Australian health system is upwards of $272 million per year (and growing).*
Professor Whiteman says the risk calculator, then, may legitimately help save lives, as well as money.
“Improving how we target and treat melanoma isn’t just critical for people with melanoma; it’s also an important economic necessity. By helping to triage patients more effectively, this tool supports smarter use of healthcare dollars and could go some way to easing the burden on our healthcare system.”
The free online tool is available for use by the public.
*Estimated healthcare costs of melanoma in Australia over 3 years post diagnosis https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28756584/
