The number of deaths from melanoma cancer has almost doubled in New Zealand in the past 20 years.
Two-hundreds and fifty-three people died from it in 2000, compared with almost 500 deaths last year.
Cases are on the rise too - there were almost 3000 new cases of the cancer in 2020, compared with 1660 new cases in 2000.
And it's only going to get worse - Ministry of Health and International Agency for Research on Cancer figures predict in 2040 there will be more than 3700 new cases and more than 700 deaths.
Skin screening services and sunscreen aren't subsidised in New Zealand, despite the fact we have one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.
So what is the answer?
Cancer Society medical director Chris Jackson spoke to The AM Show.
Watch the video.
