Cases of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, are more prevalent on the mid north coast than elsewhere in the state.
The latest research from the Cancer Council shows people in the region are now 35 percent more likely to get melanoma, and the residents of Kempsey have the highest percentage of those skin cancers.
A Cancer Council spokesperson attributes the trend to beach and outdoor lifestyles in general and the failure of many to cover-up or use sunscreen.
