The Melanoma Research Foundation aims to

Improve early diagnosis of melanoma and develop new treatments by funding leading Australian Research.

Raise awareness of the cause of melanoma among the general public and measures every Australian can take to protect themselves and their families.

Provide patient support services

the melanoma skin check

Watch out for the below signs and make an appointment with your Doctor immediately if you notice any of these changes.

  • • A change in skin colour - this could be a new spot, or a change in shape or size of a current spot
  • • A spot, sore or mole that doesn't heal, becomes painful or tender.
  • • A mole that becomes itchy or begins to bleed
  • • A spot, sore, mole or lump that looks shiny, waxy, smooth or pale
  • • A firm red lump that bleeds or appears crusty
  • • A flat, red spot that is rough, dry or scaly
  • • A black/dark spot or streak under a fingernail or toenail, that hasn't come from previous trauma to the nail

A good time to check your skin is after a bath or shower.  Use a mirror to help you see your moles - this will enable you to become more familiar with your skin and what your moles normally look like.

Checking for these signs is very important as melanoma can usually be cured if it is found at an early stage.

Most importantly, get a “base-line” check of your skin by a Doctor or specialist Dermatologist, so that future comparisons can be made and changes identified.

Melanoma can affect anyone, even those with dark skin complexion.

About us

The Melanoma Research Foundation was established to undertake research into the causes, diagnosis, treatment and management of melanoma.  To do so, we raise money to purchase research, diagnostic, and treatment equipment for hospitals, medical centres, and tertiary education institutions’ medical research laboratories, and also provide funding for researchers working in the field.  We also provide funding for clinical trials of screening tests for, and treatment of, melanoma.

As a significant part of our work, we also provide information to the public on developments in diagnostic technology and the benefits of such technology in combating melanoma.  We also seek to educate the public as to the risks and causes of melanoma and the importance of early diagnosis, and promote regular screening checks.

In addition, MRF provides proven cancer patient support programmes.  This includes liaison with Health Professionals, help with Medicare, Centrelink, My Aged Care, private Health Insurers, identification of local ancillary support services and support groups, assistance with childcare, home maintenance, shopping, transport, hospital visits, and social and community events.