MPA is an independent organisation that represents the best interests of melanoma patients in Australia at the national, state and individual level.
We believe that all melanoma patients have the right to the best evidence based treatments available, to seek a second opinion and to have confidence in their healthcare team.
We have an ongoing commitment to work with government, clinicians and industry to increase awareness, highlight the need for further research, advocate for equitable access to new and innovative treatments and contribute to policy development to improve the lives and outcomes of all Australians affected by melanoma.
Increasingly, people affected by cancer and the broader community are seeking to be active participants in decision making about their health and as an organisation that represents those affected by melanoma, MPA is interested in actively engaging with consumers around a shared focus and vision.
Level 8, East Wing
Wesley Research Institute
451 Coronation Dve, Auchenflower QLD 4066
Our friends over at Queensland University of Technology have been researching a number of products to assist with better ensuring sun safety whilst outdoors. Watch through to the end where Julie Fraser, MPA's Brisbane Support Group facilitator, also has her say.
New device to improve sun protection
au.news.yahoo.com
The small sticker changes colour once sunscreen is sufficiently applied to the body.A reminder to be ever vigilant as melanoma guidelines are being reviewed to include atypical melanomas.
How to recognise a dangerous melanoma that doesn't really look like one | afr.com
afr.com
Australians are failing to identify the most dangerous kinds of melanomas, according to revised guidelines.Fantastic! I have been advocating to atypical melanomas to be included. Mine was atypical! It never looked like the regular pictures!
Tegan.
Grêg Greeñ
My mums didnt look anything like what's on the chart and well it was stage 4.. Every bloody where why because the Dr in Sydney just ultrasound the lymph nodes and no other scans by the time she got unwell it was in the liver( multiple masses) pelvis lung hip.. And yet he was supposed to be checking her??? Not happy...but thankfully Keytruda hit the PBS and we still have her 2 years later. Still have tumors they are stable..
Great! While mine wasn't Nodular Melanoma it wasn't one little bit like the images used in educational materials.
I have had 5 melanomas surgically removed and tested positive. None looked like any of the previous ones (I.e. no similarities), and none even approached looking like the ones on the wall charts. It used to give my Doctor one extra training! In detection
I have had 2 melanomas removed and both looked like a black niko pen dot.
I had a level 5 desmoplastic melanoma removed from my upper right arm. It was symmetrical in shape and a pinkish shade. It did not resemble any of the melanoma photos I researched. Most of my right bicep has been removed and nodes under my arm but lucky still here to warn others to be vigilant. Get checked regularly!
About time, all of my melanomas have not been typical in shape, size or colour. Had a biopsy last week and my plastic surgeon was quite sure it was harmless but I suspected it was not. Consequently, I am back in Epworth next week for excision and another full flesh graft.
As Survivor September draws to a close we would like to publicly thank Tracey, Nicki, Don, Kristen, Annabelle, Graeme, Susan, Trish and Andy for sharing their stories. Each was unique as they were so honest, at times confronting, yet comforting.
We are often told that melanoma patients and their families and friends get a lot from hearing from others who have similar experiences. If you would like to share your story or alternatively if you would like free telephone support from one of our qualified counsellors please direct message us or call on 1300 88 44 50.
In the meantime click through to read any Stories you may have missed as well as those posted before Survivor September began.
melanomapatients.org.au/survivor_stories/
As a patient in remission after 6 months treatment with Keytruda, my lasting and most upsetting memories are the very uninformed and negative reactions immediately following my diagnosis, by my various health care providers - GP's, specialists etc etc. I believe there is a need to educate the medical profession, particularly in regional centres, about the recent breakthroughs in Melanoma treatment and prognosis
Frances
Andy is our final Survivor September Story. "I accepted melanoma quickly and didn't allow it to dominate my life. This diagnosis has actually helped me live lighter and not take on stresses and anxieties as readily".
melanomapatients.org.au
I am a 55 year old Dad, husband, community worker, gardener, photographer, writer and fortunate to live and work in the tropical paradise of Townsville.That's great and hope for me as I am on Immunetherapy also last 18mths at a stable condition but just wondering diet wise what's best
I wish patients did not have to wait until melanoma has spread to major organs before they can access immune therapy. In the past three years I have had several surgeries, in a few weeks I will be facing another two surgeries for full flesh grafts to my face. This will be a total of 11 surgeries. My surgeon tells me that the immune drugs are too expensive to offer patients to prevent reoccurences of melanoma.
Trish has shared her story as our latest Survivor September. "Although upset and terrified of the sun I just got on with life, however the diagnosis was always in the back of my mind".
Trish McDonald - Melanoma Patients
melanomapatients.org.au
My name is Trish Mcdonald and you guessed it, I have a Scottish/English heritage which I feel has contributed to me having the BRAF Gene as melanoma runs across my father’s Scottish side. I currentl...I was diagnosed five years ago stage IV and am familiar with all the emotions, but whew, you have really been through it! Admiration all round! XX
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Casey Sanders
Tegan, Jason.
Well done Julie!