This year marks the 11th anniversary of the Melanoma Institute Australia’s (MIA) national Melanoma March fundraising campaign, which is aiming to raise a much needed $1 million to support a world-first personalised immunotherapy clinical trial for advanced melanoma patients.
A series of fundraising events will be held across Australia throughout the month of March, all organised by volunteers who are committed to raising funds to help save lives from melanoma. Those who are unable to attend the annual walk are encouraged to support the campaign by getting active individually or with a group of friends.
MIA CEO Matthew Browne is “looking forward to welcoming our much-loved community back to local Melanoma March events around the country.”
“Not only did the Covid-19 cancellations mean we couldn’t gather to support each other and remember loved ones, but we also were left with a $1.5 million fundraising shortfall,” he said.
“So this year’s campaign is critical to ensure the world-first personalised immunotherapy clinical trial can get underway, which has the potential to transform cancer treatment globally.”
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Australia has the highest melanoma rates in the world with one person being diagnosed every 30 minutes, and one Australian dying from melanoma every six hours, according to the MIA.
With melanoma rates so worryingly high in our sunburnt country, it’s crucial to stay vigilant for any irregularities in our skins.
Queensland Cancer Council’s Cancer Support and Information General Manager, Gemma Lock, said that when it comes to preventing skin cancer the public should be “checking their skin regularly and becoming familiar with what is normal for them.”
“Skin cancers rarely hurt and are more frequently seen than felt. Things to look out for include, new moles, freckles or lumps, or any changes to existing spots including changes in size, shape or colour as well as any spots with sores that don’t heal over four to six weeks,” she said.
“The sooner a skin cancer is identified and treated, the better your chance of avoiding surgery or, in the case of a serious melanoma or other skin cancer.”
IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.