What is Your Age?
The older you are the greater the risk of a melanoma occurring. In Australia, melanoma is the most common cancer among those aged 15-59. However, please note that a melanoma can occur at any age.
What is Your Sex?
Male Female
How much lifetime UV sun exposure have you had as part of your work, sport or leisure?
Your total cumulative (past and present) UV sun exposure is strong determinant of your melanoma risk.
Low Medium High
Which of the above best describes your skin type?
The fairer your skin, the greater the risk of Skin cancer.
1. I always burn and never tan
2. I usually burn but can tan if I am careful
3. I usually tan but can burn if I am careless
4. I always tan and almost never burn
Have you ever had a Basal Cell Cancer or Squamous Cell Cancer?
Basal Cell Cancer or Squamous Cell Cancer are commoner types of skin cancer than Melanoma. However a previous history of these cancers indicates a higher risk for Melanoma Skin Cancer.
No Yes
Have you ever had a Melanoma Skin Cancer?
A previous history of melanoma gives you a higher risk for another Melanoma Skin Cancer. Australia and New Zealand have the highest rates of melanoma in the world. In Australia, 1 in 14 males and 1 in 22 females will develop invasive melanoma in their lifetime (to age 85).
No Yes
How many naevi (moles) do you have on your body?
Naevi are dark brown or black spots or moles. They can be raised or flat (unlike freckles which are always flat and usually a light brown colour).
0-20 21-50 51-100 >100
How many Atypical Moles do you have on your Body?
Atypical Naevi are larger irregular dark brown or black moles, usually more than 5 mm in diameter.
0 1 2 3 4 5+
How many freckles do you have on your Body?
Freckles are always flat and usually a light brown colour, occurring on the chest, face, hands, arms, shoulders and upper back.
Few Moderate to Many
Is there a family history of melanoma in your parents, siblings or children?
No Yes
Have you noticed any mole which has recently changed in size, shape or colour?
One of the most important indicators of a possible melanoma is a changing mole. If you answer Yes to this question, you need to get the mole checked as soon as possible regardless of the results of this risk calculator.
No Yes
* One of Your Moles has recently changed. Regardless of the results of this risk calculator you must get your skin checked by a qualified medical professional.
