Parliamentary Friends of Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness

Melanoma & Skin Cancer Advocacy Network (MSCAN)

MSCAN is an independent, consumer-led, national charity established in 2020 to spearhead the battle against Australia’s national cancer – skin cancer. 

MSCAN takes an innovative approach in listening to, representing and informing the skin cancer community on skin cancer prevention, early detection through to coping with a serious diagnosis. We champion equitable access to healthcare, and work hard to encourage more funding for research, clinical trials and a committed advocacy approach. We’re passionate about working with government and the medical, research, consumer, and business communities. 

Importantly, MSCAN is a Health Promotion Charity that is focused on both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. We’re focused on delivering policy reform that will shape the way skin cancer is considered and managed in Australia. The disease is all too familiar to many Australians and the personal, community and economic burden is tremendous. MSCAN has a bold pipeline of projects that aim to reduce the burden of Australia’s national cancer. 

Australian Centre of Excellence in Melanoma Imaging & Diagnosis (ACEMID)

The Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) Australian Centre of Excellence in Melanoma Imaging and Diagnosis (ACEMID) is dedicated to transforming early melanoma diagnosis through evidence-based research programs. This includes improving the accuracy of melanoma diagnosis using new technologies like digital imaging, genetics, and artificial intelligence.

We’re passionate about working with medical, research, government, and consumer communities to ensure Australians receive the right skin check at the right time. ACRF ACEMID is currently developing a roadmap for a nationwide targeted melanoma screening program.

This collaborative research initiative is led by The University of Queensland in partnership with the University of Sydney and Monash University and was established with infrastructure funding from the ACRF.

At the centre of ACRF ACEMID is 15 3D total body imaging machines, embedded in hospital and health services across metropolitan and regional Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. We’re currently enrolling participants into Australia’s largest melanoma cohort study, monitoring changes in moles or skin spots over time. The imaging systems are connected through a research network, storing data in a national research repository.

Our data will help inform effective and sustainable skin cancer healthcare services targeting Australians most in need, resulting in significant cost savings for individuals and the healthcare system.

Australasian College of Dermatologists

The Australasian College of Dermatologists (ACD) is the sole medical college accredited by the Australian Medical Council for the training and continuing professional development of medical practitioners in the specialty of dermatology. We are the leading authority in Australia for dermatology, providing information, advocacy and advice to patients, communities, government and other health stakeholders on skin health and dermatological practice.

The ACD mission is to train, educate and foster ongoing excellence of specialist dermatologists, enabling Fellows to be the leaders in skin health care, education, advocacy and innovation.

The ACD vision is for the highest standard of skin health and dermatology care to be available and accessible to all patients and communities.