Welcome to the Australian Melanoma Research Foundation website. We are a not-for-profit charity organisation established in 2006 by a group of dedicated volunteers to provide funding for Research, Awareness and Early Detection programs.
Scroll down for more information about our current fundraising activities, contact us with your melanoma story or become a part of our wonderful Melanoma Community.
Autumn has arrived after a long hot summer, but please remember to ALWAYS be sun safe. It’s important to check the UV index in your location because you will still need sun protection even on cooler days.
As always, please remember to have a regular skin check by a professional and keep an eye out for any spots or freckles that may change. Click here to download our Skin Check Sheet to help you know what to look for. Don’t forget to also book a regular eye check with your optometrist.
Don’t forget to check out our Shop Window above and support our Partners. Your purchases support melanoma research in addition to being a very thoughtful gift – for yourself or someone else!
AMRF community events
Partnerships
SParms Charity Golf Day
Our partner SParms are hosting a Charity Golf Day on Wednesday April 10, with all proceeds supporting melanoma research.
For all the details and to purchase tickets, click here.
Sunburnt: A Memoir of Sun, Surf and Skin Cancer
AMRF has a long standing association with Melanoma Patients Australia and would like to share this information about the book ‘Sunburnt’ with our community.
Anne Gately, a member of the Melanoma Patients Australia Consumer Advisory Group, is launching her book Sunburnt. A Memoir of Sun, Surf and Skin Cancer on May 1. The book tells of her Stage IV melanoma journey, parts of which may be familiar to many of you. But it is more than her story; Anne is issuing a clarion call for a change to the bronzed Aussie culture and suggests ways to make that change. In the foreword, Professor Georgina Long AO, 2024 Australian of the Year writes, ‘Anne’s story is more than that of just a cancer patient… it is illuminating a path of change ahead for not only Australia, but the world.’
If you pre-order your copy before 30 April you’ll receive free shipping (Australia and New Zealand) when you use the code MPA.
Visit https://www.annegately.com.au/ to order your book or to find out more about the book and Anne’s journey.
We support research
The AMRF supports research into melanoma, including prevention and treatment. We specifically support the next generation of melanoma researchers in Australia by providing grants to post-graduate students and early career researchers. We have been helping to save Australian lives since 2006.
2024 Research Grants
Expressions of interest for 2024 has now closed.
Read the latest AMRF Melanoma Research Update
“I feel very fortunate to receive the Warren Meanwell Melanoma Research Grant for 2023 for this exciting new study, which we hope will lead to more effective therapies for melanoma patients. Thank you very much!”
Grace Attrill, Early Career Research Scientist and Warren Meanwell Melanoma Research Grant recipient for 2023
Did you know...
MELANOMA
IN AUSTRALIA
EVERY SINGLE
YEAR
MELANOMA
ARE DIAGNOSED
EVERY YEAR
IN AUSTRALIA
OF MELANOMA CASES
CAN BE SUCCESSFULLY
TREATED IF
DETECTED EARLY
CANCER DEATHS
IN AUSTRALIA
ARE FROM
MELANOMA
Fast Facts
Did you know in Australia, 1 person dies from melanoma every 6 hours.
Melanoma is often referred to as ‘Australia’s National Cancer’. AMRF aims to reduce and prevent the incidence of melanoma in Australia.
What is melanoma?
Melanoma is the most severe type of skin cancer. It begins in skin cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes are the cells that make melanin, which gives the skin its colour. Melanin also protects the deeper layers of the skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. When people spend time in the sun, the melanocytes produce more melanin and cause the skin to tan.
What to look for
It is very important to check your skin regularly in order to detect any changes in the SIZE, COLOUR or SHAPE of a mole or skin lesion. An easy way to detect potentially harmful moles or lesions is by using the ABCDE guidlines.
Am I at risk?
Yes. In fact, everyone is at risk, as we are all exposed to the sun. Due to variations in skin types, some people are more at risk than others. Check your risk level below:
Prevention
Your exposure to ultra violet (UV) light from the sun is one of the major risk factors for melanoma that you can control.
How you can help
Here are some ways you can participate with us:
- Host a fundraiser
- Volunteer and become part of our life changing work
- Become a regular donor
- Leave a gift in your will
SunSmart Global UV app
Our senses can’t detect the sun’s harmful UV rays, so it’s important to check the daily sun protection times for your location each day on the Cancer Council’s SunSmart Global UV app. The app lets you know when you do and don’t need sun protection, making it easier than ever to be smart about your sun exposure all year.