Rewarding Australians for taking preventative health actions

New claims data from Medibank has found the number of hospital admissions for skin cancer has risen by 13% nationally over the past 5 years.

As part of a continued focus on preventative health, Medibank is rewarding eligible customers with 750 Live Better Rewards points this month for doing a skin check at home.

Medibank Group Executive for Customer Portfolios, Milosh Milisavljevic said as a health company, Medibank has an opportunity to shine a light on the importance of regular health and wellbeing checks.

“Ahead of the official start of summer we want to remind people in Australia to take care when out in the sun, by putting on a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen while also finding some shade,” he said.

“We know that Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world and anyone can be at risk of developing it, with the risk increasing as you get older.

“It is recommended that we check our skin every year, closely monitor changes in the appearance of moles, spots and lesions and if you’re concerned get them checked by a GP.”

Since FY17, admissions have risen:

WA - +28%

NSW – +25%

QLD – +18%

TAS – +16%

VIC – +4%

SA – +3%

The increase in hospital admissions could be due to factors including the risk of skin cancer rising with age and greater community awareness of the importance of getting suspicious spots on the skin checked early.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report found that skin cancer accounts for the largest number of cancers diagnosed in Australia each year, with melanoma the most common cancer diagnosed for people aged 15 to 24.

“Medibank supported thousands of customers across Australia through treatment for skin cancer last financial year, paying more than $62 million in benefits.”

Skin cancer treatment can include a diagnostic biopsy, removal of a skin cancer and in some cases using skin from other areas of the body to close the wound after the removal of the cancer.