Melanoma Sufferers And Researchers Stand In Solidarity To Defeat The Deadliest Skin Cancer

The QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute reviewed melanoma rates in six counties from 1982 to 2011, including Sweden, United Kingdom and Australia. The study discovered New Zealand had the highest rates of the deadliest skin cancer in the world, as the latest data showed there were 50 cases recorded per 100,000 people.

While rates of melanoma cases are expected to drop starting next year, melanoma sufferers and a group of researchers are currently working together to defeat the currently incurable disease. Through the research the group hopes they can create something to control the chronic disease rather than continue considering it as a death sentence.

The collaboration

Buck Off Melanoma founder, Jan Brown, is currently raising money to fund the research of the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Brisbane, which is currently developing cancer vaccines that can possibly cure melanoma. Mrs. Brown launched the initiative after she found out that her son was being diagnosed with stage four inoperable melanoma, according to ABC.

Meanwhile, Debra Black, who was diagnosed with melanoma ten years ago and co-founder of MRA (the largest private funder of melanoma research) happily announced that the organization will be working closely with Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy. Debra said she is hoping that the collaboration can successfully create cures for all patients.

Moreover, to prevent the said disease from spreading. While researchers are in the process of understanding melanoma, Peabody-based Melanoma Education Foundation is doing its part to protect children from the said disease. The group is gearing up to provide facial skin analyzers to 26 North Shore high schools in a bid to raise awareness about melanoma, as per The Salem News.

How to be a SunSmart?

According to Cancer.org, people should limit their sun exposure to UV rays. You can do this by staying under the shade or wearing clothes that can cover your skin. Moreover, use sunscreen products if you're planning to walk under the sun.