In Australia, the death rate from melanoma is higher than the national road toll, with someone dying from melanoma every six hours.
The Australian Melanoma Research Foundation is urging everyone to Walk for Mela-No-More during National Skin Cancer Action Week, from Monday 21 to Sunday 27 November 2022. This initiative will raise vital funds to support research, awareness and prevention programs.
‘Melanoma is known as Australia’s national cancer because we have the highest incident rate in the world,’ said Marisa Chilcott, CEO of AMRF.
‘Research has led to great improvements in patient outcomes in the past ten years and with further investment, we hope that in another decade, no Australian will die of melanoma.
‘It’s continued research and prevention that will make the difference,’ said Ms Chilcott. ‘More than 90% of all melanomas can be treated successfully if caught early.’
Do it yourself, in your own way, in your own time
You can create your own challenge. The Melanoma Research Foundation says it’s just a matter of creating an online fundraising page and inviting friends and family to support your fundraising during National Skin Cancer Awareness Week.
The timing and challenge is up to each individual. It can be a daily walk, a marathon run or a bike ride or swim.
AMRF says it’s committed to improving outcomes by highlighting the alarming melanoma statistics and raising awareness of sun safety during NSCAW as summer approaches.
A particular focus in the next year will be supporting early career researchers who are investigating pathways that can lead to more treatment options.
This November, they’re asking everyone to help raise much needed funds for research, so they can continue their life-changing work.
More melanoma facts
- Most common cancer in 15-39-year-olds.
- On the increase in people aged over 60 years.
- The fourth most common cancer in Australia.
- One in three Australian will be diagnosed with a skin cancer in their lifetime, and melanoma is the most dangerous.
The Australian Melanoma Research Foundation is a national, registered charity that was founded in 2006 by a dedicated group of volunteers.
Their mission is to significantly contribute to the prevention, early detection and treatment of melanoma to improve patient outcomes.
