Heard, A.Coventry, B.Milanowski, B.Taylor, D.2009-09-222009-09-222009Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 2009; 33(2):105-1081326-02001753-6405http://hdl.handle.net/2440/51008© 2009 The Authors. Journal Compilation © 2009 Public Health Association of Australia<h4>Objective</h4>We sought to determine the distribution of melanoma in South Australia with respect to the relative incidence and mortality in coastal/river versus inland areas and metropolitan versus regional/remote areas, and to outline the public health implications of this distribution.<h4>Methods</h4>All melanoma cases and deaths for the period 1985-2004 for Adelaide and 11 regional centres were geo-coded and then allocated to ABS collection districts. Collection districts with a centroid within 2 km of the coast or River Murray were determined using mapping software.<h4>Results</h4>Melanoma incidence is higher in coastal South Australia (OR=1.19) and near the River Murray (OR=1.25) than in inland South Australia. This geographical effect remains after adjustment for age and socio-economic status. Incidence is also higher in metropolitan Adelaide than in regional areas (OR=1.10). For melanoma mortality there is no significant effect of living near the coast or river, and no effect of living in regional areas.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Living near the coast or River Murray in South Australia is associated with an increased risk of being diagnosed with melanoma.<h4>Implications</h4>Melanoma prevention and acute care programs can be usefully targeted at persons living in coastal and riverine areas, where there is a significant excess of melanoma incidence. This target population is older than inland populations and will require interventions appropriate for aged communities.encancerepidemiologyGISrural health.Journal article002009054810.1111/j.1753-6405.2009.00354.x0002650319000022-s2.0-6534916466739000Coventry, B. [0000-0002-3596-7735]Taylor, D. [0000-0003-0692-7889]