A Gold Coast mother of three, diagnosed with melanoma, is now warning others of the danger of solariums. Melanie Goanta reportedly used a solarium 12 times in an attempt to get a tan for her wedding day. Something which Melanie believes greatly contributed to her skin cancer. Read More Here

The WA state government has funded a new sun safety campaign aimed at teaching West Australians about the importance of UV levels. UV radiation is the number cause of skin cancer and the new advertising is designed to raise awareness of this. The ads specifically talk about looking at UV levels, not heat or temperature,

A study led by Griffith University PhD student, Rebecca Grealy, is reported to show that a person’s genes can influence their risk of developing skin cancer. It also can have an impact as to the severity of the disease. The 5-year study helped identify specific genes which may be responsible for causing skin cancer. As

Last week was National Skin Cancer Action Week, an annual event which is aimed at raising awareness for skin cancer and sun safety in Australia. With Australia being the melanoma capital of the world, all efforts must be made by individuals and businesses to help reduce the incidence of skin cancer in this country. The

The incidence of skin cancer in Australia is expected to steadily rise as the baby boomer generation grow older. As with the incidence of skin cancer rising, the cost of disease is set to jump 40% to $700M within the next 5 years. Read More Here Epworth Hospital director of dermatology, Professor Rod Sinclair, expects

After sometime under review, the Therapeutic Goods Administration have given the go ahead for SPF50+ sunscreen to be sold in Australia. The new changes means that Australians will now have access to a sunscreen which offers more protection from ultra violet radiation. Although some experts are concerned that the new SPF50+ rating may mislead consumers.

According to Ian Olver, CEO of Cancer Council Australia and a medical oncologist, there are many myths abound related to UV radiation and its effect on our health. These myths include; – sun-protection has triggered an epidemic of vitamin D deficiency – being tanned protects you from sunburn – a tan looks healthy – “old”

Almost 60% of melanomas diagnosed throughout Queensland during 2009 were on males. During the same period, of the 250 melanoma deaths in Queensland, 170 (68%) were men. Interestingly the Cancer Council Queensland’s Public Health Manager, Louise Baldwin, said that melanoma incidence was actually slightly higher among women until the age of 45. After 45 melanoma

Yervoy, the melanoma drug developed in the US, is said to be responsible for significantly reducing tumors and extending life expectancy in terminally ill melanoma patients. Despite these results, the chance that most melanoma sufferers in Australia will get access to this drug is very slim. With a price tag of $120,000 per treatment the

Research out of the US has discovered that red heads may be at higher risk of melanoma, regardless of sun exposure. Scientist have found that, mice with red colouring were able to develop melanoma with no exposure to UV Radiation – the main cause of skin cancer. Much work still needs to be done to

A recent survey commissioned by Melanoma Patients Australia (MPA) has revealed that 46% of Australians have never had a professional skin cancer screening. With Australia having one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, these results are concerning. The sad fact is that 2 in 3 Australians will develop some form of

Moves by NSW and SA to impose bans on solarium use is unlikely to be followed by Victoria in the short term. The Victorian State Government is however considering to impose regulations on sunbeds. These may include minimum age usage and graphic warnings, similar to those on cigarette packets. Read more here