Bringing lived experience to sector-wide discussions

24th May 2024
Tamara Dawson

1 min read

MSCAN proudly attended a sector-wide Roundtable hosted by the Minister for Health and Aged Care and the Department of Health and Aged Care in Adelaide. Lived experience and the consumer perspective brings a unique and important perspective to the table.

The Roundtable focused on three key components of skin cancer health:

Improving skin cancer prevention
Screening and early detection
Treatment and care

These discussions will shape the future of melanoma and skin cancer in Australia.

MSCAN’s ComAct member, Pauline, also attended the Roundtable. Pauline generously shares her reflections on the meeting. Congratulations Pauline on your one-year milestone of being cancer-free..

In Pauline’s words:

One of the unexpected aspects of being a consumer advocate, using my consumer voice and representing Melanoma & Skin Cancer Advocacy Network (MSCAN) has been how healing the experience has been for me. As I approach my one-year milestone of being cancer-free, I feel deeply honored to share my journey and help shape the skin cancer landscape.

Yesterday, I had the privilege of traveling to Adelaide for a Roundtable discussion focused on a targeted skin cancer prevention program. I also had the opportunity to meet the Hon Mark Butler, Federal Health Minister (my dad was pretty happy I got this snap).

The decisions we make now have the potential to change health outcomes for future generations. It was a collaborative session with experts from the skin cancer field, all unified in addressing our National cancer. I feel so privileged to have been in the room.

When I arrived home I hugged my daughters tight and thought how lucky am I.

Thanks for the invitation Mark Butler Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, Melanoma & Skin Cancer Advocacy Network (MSCAN)

Special mention to Tamara Dawson and Alison Button-Sloan for their support.