About one in six people with melanoma were diagnosed too late, leading to the deaths of 118 people in Malta and Gozo over two decades.

The surgical removal of this form of skin cancer, caught in the early stages, leads to a survival rate of 90 to 95 per cent. However, the chances of survival once melanoma has spread beyond the skin are very low.

Between 1993 and 2012, 300 men and 370 women were diagnosed with malignant mela-noma and 62 men and 56 women died, according to figures released yesterday. This translates into an overall 17.6 per cent mortality rate.

Health promotion authorities yesterday launched the 15th awareness campaign on the sun’s harmful effects.

This year’s theme is ‘Skin cancer can be seen – don’t ignore it’, highlighting the importance of spotting melanoma early.

Melanoma, which is undeniably linked to sun exposure, is by far the most common skin disease-related cause of death worldwide and cases are rising.

The campaign – in collaboration with the Maltese Association of Dermatology & Venereology and Dermatology Department – has two main aims: prevention by reducing the risk of melanoma developing through sun protection and early detection; and treatment because this considerably influences survival rate.

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. It may develop anywhere on the skin and within a pre-existing mole in 30 to 50 per cent of cases.

The campaign will include Melanoma Monday on April 28. The day before, people who have a suspicious mole can book a screening by calling 2298 7105 or 2298 7153.

How to detect melanoma

Melanoma usually appears as a brown/black patch or lump on the skin with irregular features.

The ABCDE criteria provide a useful guide for diagnosing melanoma:

A: Asymmetry (melanoma patches are asymmetrical)

B: Border (melanoma has an irregular border)

C: Colour (melanoma consists of more than one shade)

D: Diameter (melanoma is usually larger than 6mm)

E: Evolution (recent change in size, shape and colour, spontaneous bleeding and irritation)