Today’s Melanoma March in Devonport is a vital part of raising awareness in the community about this cancer, especially among our younger generation.
Melanoma is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in Tasmanian males and the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in Tasmanian females.
Disturbingly, Tasmania’s incidence of Melanoma in women is higher than that of the national average (Tasmania 44.8 per 100,000 compared to Australia 39.5 per 100,000).
With our ageing population, many of whom have had decades of exposure to UV rays, these statistics are projected to increase during the next 20 years.
While the dangers of UVRs are more widely known now, there is still a lot of education to be done regarding behavioural changes to prevent Melanoma and reduce its incidence in our State.
Melanoma is the most common cancer affecting 15-39 year old Australians and kills more 20-39 year old than any other single cancer.
To help Melanoma Tasmania promote education and awareness the Hodgman Liberal Government has donated $6,500 towards the Tasmanian campaign.
Melanoma research and funding also relies heavily on community support and funding.
Melanoma Tasmania is a relatively new organisation formed by Tasmanian people who know what it is like to have, or care for, a loved one suffering with Melanoma.
Melanoma Tasmania is a not-for-profit organisation run by committed volunteers who are experts in Melanoma and skin safety or who have personal experience of Melanoma and we wish them well in their campaign titled, “Say NO to Melanoma”