Just last month, Australian researchers unveiled a game-changing update to their world-leading melanoma risk calculator—and the timing couldn't be more critical.
Melanoma claims more lives each year than the national road toll, making this free tool a potentially life-saving resource for every Australian household.
The online tool, which first launched seven years ago, has undergone a major upgrade to now include 16 self-reported factors, such as age, skin type, hair colour and sunspot history.
What makes this September 2024 update particularly exciting is that it's backed by a decade of data from more than 40,000 participants in the landmark QSkin Study.
What's new in the 2024 version
The upgraded calculator doesn't just ask generic questions anymore. Developed in collaboration with the QUT VISER team, it even accounts for regional differences in melanoma risk due to Australia's diverse UV exposure levels. This means your postcode now plays a role in determining your personalised risk assessment.
Professor David Whiteman from QIMR Berghofer, who leads this research, explains the significance: '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'
The science you can trust
Unlike many online health tools, this calculator has serious scientific credentials. The extensive statistical analysis underpinning its accuracy has been published in JAMA Dermatology, one of the world's most prestigious medical journals.
The research team followed participants for an entire decade, tracking who developed melanoma and identifying the most predictive risk factors. The number of newly diagnosed invasive melanomas in the QSkin cohort has almost tripled, providing substantially greater statistical power than previously.
Why this matters for your generation
While anyone can develop melanoma, the risk does increase with age, and your generation has likely accumulated more sun exposure over the years. The beauty of this tool lies in its personalisation—it considers your entire health picture, not just your age.
The questionnaire takes just a few minutes and covers factors like:
- Your skin's typical reaction to sun exposure
- Family history of melanoma
- Number of moles on your body
- Previous sunburn history
- Where you've lived throughout your life
- Hair colour and skin type
What the tool predicts
The calculator provides your estimated risk of developing melanoma in the next 3.5 years, helping you and your doctor make informed decisions about skin checks and monitoring.
The bigger picture: Healthcare costs and efficiency
The financial argument for better melanoma screening is compelling. QIMR Berghofer health economists have estimated the direct costs of treating melanoma via the Australian health system is more than $272 million per year and growing.
This tool could help redirect healthcare resources more effectively. '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'.
What's coming next
The research team isn't stopping here. Future research plans include further upgrades to incorporate genetic data to boost prediction accuracy even further. This could make the tool even more precise in the coming years.
Tools such as the QIMR Berghofer Melanoma Risk calculator are key resources in the current discussions on whether Australia needs a targeted national melanoma screening program, similar to existing programs for breast, bowel, and cervical cancers.
Essential reminders about the tool
- It's completely free to use
- Takes only a few minutes to complete
- Doesn't replace medical advice—discuss results with your doctor
- Available at qimrb.edu.au/melanoma
- Should be used alongside regular skin self-checks
Your skin health action plan
Remember, no tool replaces vigilance about changes in your skin. Continue to:
- Perform monthly self-examinations of your entire body
- Look for changes in existing moles or new spots
- Follow the ABCDE rule: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Colour variation, Diameter larger than 6mm, Evolving shape or size
- Maintain sun protection habits regardless of your risk score
- See a doctor promptly if you notice any concerning changes
The researchers emphasise an important point: the risk calculator is not intended to replace medical advice, rather it is a guide to inform people about their individual risk so they can discuss this with their doctor.
Take action today
This upgraded tool represents years of rigorous scientific research and could provide valuable insights into your personal melanoma risk. The few minutes it takes to complete could inform important conversations with your healthcare provider and potentially influence your skin monitoring routine.
Have you tried the new melanoma risk calculator yet, or do you have questions about skin cancer screening? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below—your insights could help fellow readers make informed decisions about their skin health.
Original Article
https://www.9news.com.au/national/s...oma-risk/9960e65c-470c-4d64-9491-9ee4783d8b21
Know your own risk: Next-gen melanoma risk prediction calculator to help Australians act against deadly skin cancer
Cited text: QIMR Berghofer has unveiled the next-generation of its world-leading melanoma risk prediction calculator to better help Australians take action agains...
Excerpt: Melanoma claims more lives each year than the national road toll
https://www.qimrb.edu.au/whats-on/n...lp-australians-act-against-deadly-skin-cancer
Next-gen melanoma risk prediction calculator to help Australians act against deadly skin cancer—Scimex
Cited text: QIMR Berghofer has unveiled the next-generation of its world-leading melanoma risk prediction calculator to better help Australians take action agains...
Excerpt: Melanoma claims more lives each year than the national road toll
https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/nex...lp-australians-act-against-deadly-skin-cancer
Melanoma risk calculator now factors in 16 personal traits and regional UV exposure
Cited text: Developed using a decade of data from more than 40,000 participants in the landmark QSkin Study, the online tool first launched seven years ago has un...
Excerpt: The online tool, which first launched seven years ago, has undergone a major upgrade to now include 16 self-reported factors, such as age, skin type, hair colour and sunspot history
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-melanoma-factors-personal-traits-regional.html
Know your own risk: Next-gen melanoma risk prediction calculator to help Australians act against deadly skin cancer
Cited text: Developed using a decade of data from more than 40,000 participants in the landmark QSkin Study, the online tool first launched seven years ago has un...
Excerpt: The online tool, which first launched seven years ago, has undergone a major upgrade to now include 16 self-reported factors, such as age, skin type, hair colour and sunspot history
https://www.qimrb.edu.au/whats-on/n...lp-australians-act-against-deadly-skin-cancer
New melanoma risk factors added to prediction tool—Newsreel
Cited text: Backed by 10 years of data from 40,000 participants in the QSkin study.
Excerpt: a decade of data from more than 40,000 participants in the landmark QSkin Study
https://newsreel.com.au/article/community/new-melanoma-risk-factors-added-to-prediction-tool/
Melanoma risk calculator now factors in 16 personal traits and regional UV exposure
Cited text: Developed in collaboration with the QUT VISER team, it even accounts for regional differences in melanoma risk due to Australia's diverse UV exposure ...
Excerpt: Developed in collaboration with the QUT VISER team, it even accounts for regional differences in melanoma risk due to Australia's diverse UV exposure levels
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-melanoma-factors-personal-traits-regional.html
Know your own risk: Next-gen melanoma risk prediction calculator to help Australians act against deadly skin cancer
Cited text: Developed in collaboration with the QUT VISER team, it even accounts for regional differences in melanoma risk due to Australia’s diverse UV exposure ...
Excerpt: Developed in collaboration with the QUT VISER team, it even accounts for regional differences in melanoma risk due to Australia's diverse UV exposure levels
https://www.qimrb.edu.au/whats-on/n...lp-australians-act-against-deadly-skin-cancer
Know your own risk: Next-gen melanoma risk prediction calculator to help Australians act against deadly skin cancer
Cited text: “Early identification of people who are high-risk can prompt more regular skin checks and targeted follow-up, while sparing lower-risk people from unn...
Excerpt: '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'
https://www.qimrb.edu.au/whats-on/n...lp-australians-act-against-deadly-skin-cancer
Next-gen melanoma risk prediction calculator to help Australians act against deadly skin cancer—Scimex
Cited text: “Early identification of people who are high-risk can prompt more regular skin checks and targeted follow-up, while sparing lower-risk people from unn...
Excerpt: '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'
https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/nex...lp-australians-act-against-deadly-skin-cancer
Melanoma risk calculator now factors in 16 personal traits and regional UV exposure
Cited text: The extensive statistical analysis and evidence that underpins the accuracy and effectiveness of the next-generation risk calculator is detailed in a ...
Excerpt: The extensive statistical analysis underpinning its accuracy has been published in JAMA Dermatology
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-melanoma-factors-personal-traits-regional.html
Updated Tool Offers Improved Accuracy for Predicting Invasive Melanoma Risk
Cited text: The study was led by David C. Whiteman, MBBS, PhD, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, and was published online on Septemb...
Excerpt: The extensive statistical analysis underpinning its accuracy has been published in JAMA Dermatology
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticl...ved-accuracy-predicting-invasive-2025a1000o0w
New Melanoma Risk Prediction Tool Superior in Accuracy to Previous Tools
Cited text: In their analysis’s introduction, Whiteman and colleagues highlighted that target approaches are increasingly being used to systematically detect mela...
Excerpt: The number of newly diagnosed invasive melanomas in the QSkin cohort has almost tripled, providing substantially greater statistical power than previously
https://www.hcplive.com/view/new-melanoma-risk-prediction-tool-superior-accuracy-previous-tools
Melanoma risk calculator now factors in 16 personal traits and regional UV exposure
Cited text: QIMR Berghofer health economists have estimated the direct costs of treating melanoma via the Australian health system is more than $272 million per y...
Excerpt: QIMR Berghofer health economists have estimated the direct costs of treating melanoma via the Australian health system is more than $272 million per year and growing
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-melanoma-factors-personal-traits-regional.html
Know your own risk: Next-gen melanoma risk prediction calculator to help Australians act against deadly skin cancer
Cited text: QIMR Berghofer health economists have estimated the direct costs of treating melanoma via the Australian health system is more than $272 million per y...
Excerpt: QIMR Berghofer health economists have estimated the direct costs of treating melanoma via the Australian health system is more than $272 million per year and growing
https://www.qimrb.edu.au/whats-on/n...lp-australians-act-against-deadly-skin-cancer
Next-gen melanoma risk prediction calculator to help Australians act against deadly skin cancer—Scimex
Cited text: QIMR Berghofer health economists have estimated the direct costs of treating melanoma via the Australian health system is more than $272 million per y...
Excerpt: QIMR Berghofer health economists have estimated the direct costs of treating melanoma via the Australian health system is more than $272 million per year and growing
https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/nex...lp-australians-act-against-deadly-skin-cancer
Melanoma risk calculator now factors in 16 personal traits and regional UV exposure
Cited text: 'Early identification of people who are high-risk can prompt more regular skin checks and targeted follow-up, while sparing lower-risk people from unn...
Excerpt: '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'
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-melanoma-factors-personal-traits-regional.html
Melanoma risk calculator now factors in 16 personal traits and regional UV exposure
Cited text: Future research plans include further upgrades to incorporate genetic data to boost prediction accuracy even further.
Excerpt: Future research plans include further upgrades to incorporate genetic data to boost prediction accuracy even further
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-melanoma-factors-personal-traits-regional.html
Know your own risk: Next-gen melanoma risk prediction calculator to help Australians act against deadly skin cancer
Cited text: Future research plans include further upgrades to incorporate genetic data to boost prediction accuracy even further.
Excerpt: Future research plans include further upgrades to incorporate genetic data to boost prediction accuracy even further
https://www.qimrb.edu.au/whats-on/n...lp-australians-act-against-deadly-skin-cancer
Next-gen melanoma risk prediction calculator to help Australians act against deadly skin cancer—Scimex
Cited text: Future research plans include further upgrades to incorporate genetic data to boost prediction accuracy even further.
Excerpt: Future research plans include further upgrades to incorporate genetic data to boost prediction accuracy even further
https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/nex...lp-australians-act-against-deadly-skin-cancer
Melanoma risk calculator now factors in 16 personal traits and regional UV exposure
Cited text: Tools such as the QIMR Berghofer Melanoma Risk calculator are key resources in the current discussions on whether Australia needs a targeted national ...
Excerpt: Tools such as the QIMR Berghofer Melanoma Risk calculator are key resources in the current discussions on whether Australia needs a targeted national melanoma screening program
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-melanoma-factors-personal-traits-regional.html
Know your own risk: Next-gen melanoma risk prediction calculator to help Australians act against deadly skin cancer
Cited text: Tools such as the QIMR Berghofer Melanoma Risk calculator are key resources in the current discussions on whether Australia needs a targeted national ...
Excerpt: Tools such as the QIMR Berghofer Melanoma Risk calculator are key resources in the current discussions on whether Australia needs a targeted national melanoma screening program
https://www.qimrb.edu.au/whats-on/n...lp-australians-act-against-deadly-skin-cancer
Melanoma risk calculator now factors in 16 personal traits and regional UV exposure
Cited text: The researchers say that the risk calculator is not intended to replace medical advice, rather it is a guide to inform people about their individual r...
Excerpt: the risk calculator is not intended to replace medical advice, rather it is a guide to inform people about their individual risk so they can discuss this with their doctor
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-melanoma-factors-personal-traits-regional.html
Know your own risk: Next-gen melanoma risk prediction calculator to help Australians act against deadly skin cancer
Cited text: The researchers say that the risk calculator is not intended to replace medical advice, rather it is a guide to inform people about their individual r...
Excerpt: the risk calculator is not intended to replace medical advice, rather it is a guide to inform people about their individual risk so they can discuss this with their doctor
https://www.qimrb.edu.au/whats-on/n...lp-australians-act-against-deadly-skin-cancer
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