Check4Spots Day

30th January 2024
Tamara Dawson

2 min read

Today is Check4Spots Day, an initiative for all of us to ‘be all over melanoma’ in memory of 25 year old Morgan Mansell, who sadly lost her life to melanoma.

In the words of Morgan’s parents, Julie and Peter Mansell:

So what is Check4Spots Day? Now in its 5th year, every January 30 (happy heavenly birthday Morgy), at the end of the long hot summer holidays, when people are returning to work or school, maybe even after catching a little too much sun – we thought what a better time to remind everyone to grab a partner and look for suspicious looking spots, and especially in those hard to see areas (scalp, back, etc). We all know some of us Aussies can be a little too much ‘she’ll be right mate’, or too busy, (or maybe even a little bit too nervous) to book a skin check with a doctor, so as a bare minimum please grab a partner and look for any suspicious new or changes to moles and spots.

Morgan Mansell’s experience with melanoma inspired Jacqui Hilton to join the MSCAN Board. In Jacqui’s words:

To meet Morgan was to be friends with her. She was a magnetic force, drawing people to her like moths to a flame with her genuine warmth, quick wit and wisdom beyond her years. I was lucky enough to meet Morgan at work and while I was almost 20 years her senior, we formed a strong bond very quickly. I learnt so much from her, not only about the nuances of social media, or the latest song I had to listen to, but about resilience, compassion and not taking anything for granted.

Morgan’s melanoma was a shock to all of us – how could someone so young and vibrant be struck down by such an insidious, invisible disease? How could life be so cruel that someone who gave so much get taken so soon? Surely her brilliant medical team and innovative new drugs would save her. But unbelievably, the strength of this disease and the speed at which it ravaged her body were too much, and the beautiful, funny, kind and talented young woman who had touched so many was taken from us all. In Morgan’s short life she went through so much, yet was one of the most grateful, optimistic and magnanimous humans I have ever met.

I know Morgan’s story has had great impact on everyone that knew her, or has heard her story. The amazing way her parents Julie and Peter have dedicated themselves to spreading the message about the dangers of UV exposure and the need for skin checks continues her legacy of benevolence, selflessness and humanity. The Check4Spots Day message is a crucial reminder to others to take some good from Morgan’s experience, and lessen the impact this disease can have on others in the future.

Although it won’t bring Morgan back, the message is quite simple: 30 January (Morgan’s birthday) is Check4Spots Day to check your and a partner’s skin.

The Victorian Melanoma Service at the Alfred are urging Australians to check themselves and each other for suspicious spots.

How to do a self skin check

The vast majority of skin cancers are visible on the skin. There is a good chance of detecting the disease in its early stages if you know what to look for. The best way to find them is to regularly self-examine your own skin.

Learn how to check your own skin.

Show me how