Dealing with melanoma is challenging, don’t do it alone – “I discovered Melanoma Patients Australia and the MPA support group which was a lifesaver. We discussed options, cried, and I didn’t feel so alone.”
Support
MPA is an independent, not for profit organisation dedicated to supporting and representing those affected by melanoma. We provide many services to assist people on their journey with melanoma including: emotional support and information, education, peer to peer connections and support groups both online, on the phone and face to face. Our vision is creating a world where no one affected by melanoma walks alone.
Melanoma Patients Australia is here to help you. We are committed to providing patient-focused services for all Australians affected by melanoma. We provide information, guidance, support and assistance for family, friends and carers of those affected by melanoma.
The services we provide include:
Providing evidence based information over the phone, via written materials and at our information forums.
Connections and support via our groups, social media and telephone link ups, enabling those affected by melanoma to share experiences and insights.
Including referrals to professional counselling and psychological support.
MPA is committed to working with government, clinicians and industry to improve the lives and outcomes of those affected by melanoma.
Supporting research and clinical trials that offer the best options for melanoma patients.
MPA provides an independent voice for the more than 14,320 people diagnosed with melanoma each year contributing to national panels and advisory boards.
Level 8, East Wing
Wesley Research Institute
451 Coronation Dve, Auchenflower QLD 4066
Researchers have discovered that melanoma cells with high numbers of faults in their DNA are more likely to respond immunotherapy drugs such as Keytruda and Opdivo.
Researchers Uncover Major Clue In Predicting Response To Immunotherapy
forbes.com
Immunotherapy continues to be one of the most talked-about therapeutic approaches in oncology, but one niggling issue has been puzzling researchers even since the early clinical trials: Why do patient...
Leeann Marriott
Here’s hoping mine is a total mutant.
Interesting read
Pretty cool Ken Dutton-Regester!
Casey Sanders what u think
A Guide to Immunotherapy. Melanoma Patients Australia Ltd would like to share this short video to help explain this important form of treatment. Please share with family and friends.
So good that Melanoma is gaining recognition!! I was diagnosed 15 years ago and luckily had it removed with no lymph compromise! But at the time I was dismissed as having "not real cancer" by family and friends! Love my massive hole in my leg! and anyone that asks about it I advise them to stay out of the sun and cover up! xx
🌻 for you my friend. 😊🍀
Thank you understand a little more now
MPA advocates for equitable access to the best evidence-based treatment options for all Australian melanoma patients.
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) will consider the following important melanoma drugs for listing on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) at their March 2019 meeting.
1. Nivolumab (Opdivo) for “adjuvant” treatment of patients who have had completely surgically resected Stage III or Stage IV melanoma.
This is the second time this drug is being considered by the PBAC for treatment in the adjuvant setting as it was not accepted at the July 2018 meeting.
2. Dabrafenib (Tafinlar) and Trametinib (Mekinist) for “adjuvant” treatment of resected Stage III melanoma in BRAF mutation positive patients.
Clinical trials have shown these drugs significantly reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
MPA will make a submission on behalf of our members.
The PBAC also very much welcomes submissions from patients and others. We encourage all melanoma patients and those affected, to take this opportunity to provide their personal accounts and experiences detailing why these drugs should be considered for PBS listing.
Closing date is Wed 13 February 2019.
You can submit an online comment to the PBAC for both submissions via the link below:
*** For Nivolumab (Opdivo) please choose the FIRST option in the drop-down box.
Best Regards - Victoria Beedle CEO
www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/PBAC_online_submission_form.
Helen Curtis
Done. Love to Alicia. Xo
Done ✅. Gave a pretty good submission just a couple of days prior to my 5 adjuvant nivo infusion. (Stage 4 .. surgical removal of lung tumour and axillary lymph .. tanks to the compassion of the drug company ... told em to do a deal .. spend a percentage on research in Australia !
I wish this was a option for my sister 3 months ago:(
Very difficult to understand how it works and not only for myself but for my oncologist. Can you shed some light, I am stage 4 melanoma, have had two metastatic melanomas removed surgically. Currently I am on Opdivo as adjuvant treatment. I thought this had been approved on PBS for 1 December? It appears that it wasn’t with this application.
For many, gel polish is irresistible with its high shine and longer-lasting results. But there is controversy around whether there is a real risk from UV lamps which has been debated for many years.
At best, Cancer Council Australia recommends using fingerless gloves and sunscreen if using these lamps.
Nailing the risk of skin cancer from UV lamps in manicures
australiascience.tv
Your manicures may be increasing your risk of skin cancer, experts suggest using sunscreen before your trip to the salon. UV lamps are often used in manicures, particularly gel manicures. Sometimes LE...
I’ve heard nail dipping is a good alternative!
Lily Mock Caitlin Hamilton Carolyn Mafi What have I been saying. Regular acrylic & fan dry only #sunsmart
Sarah Tanner
Louise Oats, no more gel
Lesley Herbert there you go, need to put fingerless gloves on now on
Yip - Kim Dack I have had a melanoma removed from my finger - and I very rarely get my nails done
Amanda Brennan
Wendy Middlemass
Steve Rich Vanina Eastley interesting
Sheyla Venceslau
Gerry Nettleton
I haven’t had my nails done for years and I’m now getting freckles etc
Rachel Field
Anjali Willett Amy LeckNa TashaKirsty Mcgregor
I used sunscreen
Very interesting!
Michaele Ann Gooch
Skin checks are important because sometimes it can be hard to decipher which moles need attention and which are harmless.
However, there are certain types of moles or lesions you should never ignore and if they have these characteristics, it’s recommended you see your dermatologist or GP as soon as possible.
6 Types Of Moles You Should Never Ignore
bustle.com
Plenty of people have moles and not all moles are necessarily cause for concern. Sometimes, it can be hard to decipher which need attention and which are harmless, and that is why mole checks are impo...
BriannaFarrall for future
Whoops meant to be, melanoma.
Can't believe the miserable amount back from Medicare for skin checks with a dermatologist, most chàrge $245 and Medicare refunds $45. I have had several surgeries for malenoma since 2014, my surgeon recommended skin checks with a dermatologist. I cannot afford this on an aged pension of $23.000 a year. Really frustrating.
