Peter's 40th Melanoma Wish

In honour of my husband's 40th birthday, he has requested a fundraising party, with all funds raised going to The Melanoma Institute of Australia so they can continue their amazing research in finding a cure for the many people around the world affected by Melanoma.

Peter was diagnosed earlier this year with stage 4 Nodular Melanoma and ever since has only wanted one thing, a cure for it so he can watch his daughter grow up and one day walk her down an aisle on her wedding day.

Melanoma Institute Australia is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to preventing and curing melanoma through innovative, world-class research, treatment and education programs. Based in the Poche Centre, the world’s largest melanoma research and treatment centre, Melanoma Institute Australia is affiliated with The University of Sydney, St Vincents and Mater Health Sydney, The Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Australian & New Zealand Melanoma Trials Group (ANZMTG).

Melanoma Institute Australia relies on the generosity of individuals, organisations and government funding to continue its ground breaking work into this potentially devastating cancer.

Melanoma facts and statistics

Australia has the highest incidence of melanoma in the world and melanoma is often referred to as Australia's national cancer. Here are some other facts and statistics about melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.

At a glance

• Melanoma is the third most common form of cancer in Australian men and women (10% of all cancers)
• More than 12,500 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed in Australia every year  
• Melanoma makes up only 2.3% of all skin cancers but is responsible for 75% of skin cancer deaths.
• The good news is that melanoma is often identifiable at an early stage where simple treatment can result in complete cure.

Melanoma is Australia’s national cancer

• Australia has the highest incidence of melanoma in the world.
• Melanoma rates have doubled in the 20 years from 1986–2006.
• Melanoma rates are still on the rise with an estimated 392 extra cases per year.
• 1 in 17 Australians will be diagnosed with melanoma before age 85.

Melanoma is the most common cancer in young Australians

• Melanoma is the most common cancer in young Australians aged 15–39 years old.
• In this age group, melanoma makes up 20% of all cancer cases and is responsible for 8% of all cancer deaths.
• In 20–34 year-olds, melanoma kills more young Australians than any other single cancer.

Melanoma can kill you

• More than 1,500 Australians die from melanoma each year.
• Melanoma makes up only 2.3% of all skin cancers but is responsible for 75% of skin cancer deaths.
• Melanoma was responsible for 3.4% of all cancer deaths in Australia in 2010.

Melanoma affects men more than women

• Females risk to age 85 = 1 in 23.
• Males risk to age 85 = 1 in 14.
• Compared to women, men are more than 2.5 times as likely to die from melanoma.

Detection & screening

More than 12,500 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed in Australia each year. Of these, around 87% will be successfully treated. Because most melanomas occur on the skin where they can be seen, patients themselves are often the first to detect many melanomas. Early detection and diagnosis are crucial. If caught early, most melanomas can be cured with relatively minor surgery.

Regular self checks play a vital role in ensuring the early detection of melanoma. 

Early detection

Skin cancers (including melanoma) that are detected and treated early have the best outcome, and need less invasive treatment. Self-examination of the skin is important for all Australians, especially those with known risk factors for melanoma. Get to know your skin by checking it regularly. That way you can notice any changes that could mean you have a melanoma. This is especially important as you get older.

So let's help Peter celebrate his 40th birthday by being able to give a sizeable donation to The Melanoma Institute of Australia in his name with thanks to his family and friends.

Also, go and get yourselves checked. Early detection is vital in getting Melanoma under control and prevention is always best. So be sure to Slip Slop Slap!

Thank you all for taking the time to read and donate.

All our love,

Peter, Bettina and Madison.