MSCAN Board
The MSCAN Board have all been personally impacted by skin cancer and have come together due to frustrations that not enough is being done. The MSCAN Board brings together complimentary skills in patient advocacy and support, government policy, pharmaceutical industry knowledge, finance and marketing.
Tamara Dawson
FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR
After a serious melanoma diagnosis and successful treatment in 2015, I became increasingly involved as a melanoma consumer / advocate. I soon identified a gap – so much more could be done to help address the needs of skin cancer patients, from early detection through to coping with a serious diagnosis, as well as more funding for research and a committed advocacy approach. Early on, I wanted to know that people were advocating for me in the halls of Parliament House in Canberra and elsewhere!
After years of research, consultation and strategic planning, I’m proud to have established Australia’s only national, independent, consumer led organisation for people affected by a skin cancer diagnosis.
A career in government policy, economics, international trade and corporate affairs combined with an eagerness to use these skills in the skin cancer community, has led to the establishment of MSCAN.
I am proud to tell skin cancer patients that there is an organisation that’s “got your back” with linkages to leading medical professionals and researchers in Australia and globally, and consumer organisations around the world.
Skin cancer is Australia’s national cancer and more needs to be done, collaboratively, to tackle all forms of the disease.
Hayley Andersen
DIRECTOR
Following a Bachelor of Science majoring in Microbiology and Psychology at Melbourne University and post-graduate studies in Information Technology, I worked in a variety of management roles before entering the health sector. My role as the Head of Patient Advocacy at Bristol Myers-Squibb, allows me to bring patient perspectives to company decisions and actively support the patient voice in health decision making. Having lost my father to melanoma more than 20 years ago when he was just 48 years old, I am driven to make a difference for others affected by the disease.
Professor Alan Cooper AM
Director
I was diagnosed with stage III melanoma in 2013, and despite multiple surgeries and two trials of experimental treatment it progressed to stage IV. The melanoma eventually responded to a combination of radiotherapy and immunotherapy which commenced in early 2017.
At the time of diagnosis I was Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the Northern Clinical School of the University of Sydney, and Head of the Department of Dermatology at Royal North Shore Hospital. Over the years I have served in a number of capacities in The Australasian College of Dermatologists, and have been involved in the training and assessment of medical students and dermatology advanced trainees. I supervised a research unit and was involved in fund raising for dermatology research through state, national and international foundations.
Darren Dawson
DIRECTOR
As a Director of MSCAN I aim to ensure all those effected by melanoma and skin cancer in Australia receive the best possible level of care. My wife was diagnosed with advanced melanoma in 2015 and my father with an invasive squamous cell carcinoma in 2016. I can relate to the journey that so many families in Australia take when they receive a diagnosis of skin cancer. I believe MSCAN can play an important role as the voice of patients and their families.
I work as the Chief Financial Officer of Sentient Impact Group in Melbourne. I have worked in banking and finance for over 20 years am a qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).
Jacqui Hilton
DIRECTOR
Having worked in the communications and advertising industry for over 20 years, my goal is to involve corporate and industry partners to support MSCAN’s advocacy and awareness goals. The death of a close friend in 2018 has inspired me to advocate for change to access to early detection of melanoma. My friend was just 24 years old when she was diagnosed with stage III melanoma, after having her suspect mole cleared several times. She lost her battle less than two years later. If her melanoma was detected earlier, there is every chance she would still be with us now. That motivates me to make meaningful change for others.