Watch Your Mate's Back: helping young Australians recognise melanoma
30 November 2015
‘Watch Your Mate’s Back’, in partnership with Surf Life Saving Australia, focuses on three simple steps: prevent, detect and act.
MIA’s Executive Director, Professor John Thompson said: “Checking your own skin is one of the most effective ways of detecting melanoma. We all need to watch for skin lesions that change in size, shape or colour, develop an irregular border, become itchy or repeatedly bleed.
“Of course there are hard-to-see places on our own bodies. One quarter of melanomas are detected by someone other than the person with the melanoma. That’s what makes ‘Watch Your Mate’s Back’ an important summer awareness campaign.”
Professor Thompson added: “Australia has the highest incidence of melanoma in the world. Up to 90% of melanomas are triggered by UV radiation from the sun. To reduce the risk we need to adopt sun-safe practices such as wearing sun protective clothing and a hat, seeking shade when possible and applying sunscreen.”
Sky News presenter Jacinta Tynan hosted the campaign launch and celebrity personal trainer Shannan Ponton spoke about his own melanoma diagnosis. NSW Surf Lifesaver of the Year Rosie Taliano and former Ironman Champion Guy Leech were also on hand to help spread awareness about melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.
Visit the Watch Your Mate’s Back website to learn more and to download resources.
Australasian Melanoma Conference AMC2021
The 2021 Australasian Melanoma Conference (AMC2021) will held in Sydney, Australia.
Amie St Clair 10th Annual Ball
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Amie St Clair Melanoma at the Annual Ball in Wagga Wagga!
Queen's Birthday Honour for Professor Richard Scolyer
MIA's Prof Scolyer has been appointed as an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia.
Sharing our research on the global stage at 2021 ASCO Annual Meeting
Research from MIA was once again in the spotlight as findings were shared at the virtual ASCO21.
Australian researchers lead world in successful trial of new cancer treatment.
In a breakthrough which could extend to the treatment of other cancers, a new immune checkpoint inhibitor has proven effective in helping save the lives of advanced melanoma patients.
Thank you doesn't seem enough for our melanoma nurses.
Whilst our research and clinical teams are trialling new treatments to save lives, it is our nurses who are on the front line providing care and support.
Sharing our knowledge of melanoma on the global stage
As leaders in the field of melanoma, clinicians and researchers from MIA shared their knowledge at the virtual 10th World Congress of Melanoma.
Community Fundraising Wrap Up Jan-Mar 2021
The easing of COVID restrictions has meant the return of community events, and we recognise the generous support of our community fundraisers.
Melanoma patients and their families urged to speak up and put national spotlight on melanoma.
Melanoma patients and their carers are being urged to participate in a ground-breaking survey which will shape the future of melanoma treatment, research, support and funding in Australia.
Support for Melanoma March has come from everywhere
We have been buoyed by the wonderful support for our Melanoma March campaign, and our mission to cover Australia in footprints continues into April!
An inspiring WA Melanoma Community Forum
There was a wonderful feeling of community support amongst the melanoma patients, families and friends at the WA Melanoma Community Form.
Family of 8-year-old with melanoma calls on all Australians to step up to help save lives
The Price family has decided to share their story to inspire Australians to support research into new melanoma treatments.
Rethinking skin surveillance for high-risk melanoma patients
New research has provided evidence in favour of a structured skin surveillance program for high-risk melanoma patients.
Australia's oldest melanoma survivor steps up to save lives on his 105th birthday
Melanoma research saved Bert's life at 101 and now he wants to give back.
Predicting disease spread in thin melanoma
A new MIA online risk calculator for clinicians can determine the likelihood of thin melanoma spreading.
Exploring our own clinical questions through MIA's new trials initiative
MIA has recently established a new division of our Clinical Trials Program which co-ordinates and manages investigator-led multi-centre trials.
Young researchers awarded Fellowships to pursue innovative treatments for melanoma
Two young researchers from MIA and The University of Sydney awarded Cancer Institute NSW fellowships.
Young researchers receive boost to develop innovative treatment for melanoma
Two young researchers from MIA and The University of Sydney awarded Cancer Institute NSW fellowships.
Launch of Melanoma March 2021
Aussies urged to leave their footprint on melanoma as efforts step up to save lives from the disease.
Olivia Vivian announced as MIA ambassador
Olivia is using her Ninja star power to shine a spotlight on melanoma prevention - in memory of her dad.