Research suggests one in three melanomas may not be harmful

Researchers from QIMR Berghofer have found nearly a third of melanomas picked up during routine skin checks may not be harmful.

Lead researcher David Whiteman said the team followed a large number of Queenslanders over the course of seven years. They found melanoma detections were significantly higher among the group who had their skin examined by a doctor prior to signing up for the study.

"The results suggest that up to 29 per cent of the melanomas detected during skin checks may never have come to light if that person wasn't screened," Professor Whiteman said.

"It suggests that skin examinations and biopsies are picking up things that look and feel just like melanomas, but they don't always behave like them or cause harm.

Professor Whiteman stressed that melanomas were a very dangerous form of cancer and the findings did not lessen the importance of getting skin checks or taking preventative measures while out in the sun.

"But it does open up some exciting research possibilities to improve diagnosis and treatment of the disease," he said.

The observational study, which will be published in the British Journal of Dermatology, is the first to provide an evidence of potential over-diagnosis of melanoma by referencing individual patient data.

Professor Whiteman said more research needed to be done to determine why some melanomas appeared to stay dormant and went undetected for long periods of time. He said improved diagnostic tools would benefit patients, doctors and the health system.

"Patients diagnosed with melanoma have to live with the fact they have a potentially fatal cancer, and endure ongoing check-ups and scans. It's a life-changing event," Professor Whiteman said.

"Fortunately, most people diagnosed with melanoma in Australia can expect an excellent prognosis, as doctors in this country are world leaders in the detection and treatment of this disease."

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