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A melanoma diagnosis brings confusion, anxiety, disbelief and disruption to the entire circle around the patient and requires expert and knowledgeable support. That鈥檚 where we step in. Melanoma Focus strives to shape a better future for patients by supporting them from diagnosis through treatment and beyond.聽

Our Melanoma Helpline can be the first point of call for people newly diagnosed or grappling with treatment choices. After speaking to one of the Cancer Nurse Specialists they will be armed with knowledge and the reassurance that a return call is always welcome.

Patients and carers are welcomed to the annual Melanoma Patient Conference, described by one attendee as 鈥渂eing with my melanoma family鈥�. This important, safe space aims to empower patients to take an active role in their care by educating on the latest treatments and advances in melanoma medicine.聽

Being involved and furthering research importantly provides 鈥榟ope鈥� while advancing the understanding and science of melanoma.聽 Patients can explore our Melanoma TrialFinder, a unique, up-to-date searchable resource where clinical trials are explained and you can search for potential UK trial options, to discuss with your medical team.聽

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. We aim to make a real difference to the lives of people affected with melanoma and the healthcare professionals who look after them, while funding research and raising awareness of the 5th most common cancer in the UK.聽 Together, with your help, we can make a difference.

For every pound donated, it will be match-funded pound for pound up to 拢12,500.聽

I am so pleased to be telling you about the remarkable work of Melanoma Focus.

It鈥檚 a shocking fact that more people die in the UK than in Australia, from melanoma, a skin cancer which can be dismissed as 鈥榡ust a mole鈥�. But if melanoma has spread to other parts of the body, patients can now live longer, alongside the disease.

Melanoma Focus puts patients at the forefront of everything they do. Through their free helpline and clinical trial finder; patients are being supported along their pathway and given access to expert information, emotional support and the opportunity to partake in clinical trials.

This is why Melanoma Focus needs your help so they can continue their hard work in widening access to treatments, provide out-of-hours help and constantly update their expert information; so that if diagnosed with melanoma, you too will have a special community to support you.

Jen鈥檚 husband, James was first diagnosed with Melanoma in 2014; after a quick and easy procedure to remove it from his head, he was given the all clear. In 2019, James developed a persistent cough and later tests revealed he had a stage 4 Melanoma cancer on his lung and liver.

Shocked and devastated, Jen and James turned to The Melanoma Focus Helpline finding it to be the best expert resource for information and support. During his immunotherapy treatment, it was the height of the Covid-19 lockdown which meant James had to attend all appointments on his own. Having a cancer nurse specialist at the end of the phone meant that Jen could keep an understanding of his diagnosis and the next steps involved.

Unfortunately, James declined rapidly after the cancer had spread to his stomach and brain and he sadly died in 2022.

Jen has said that without the support and guidance of The Melanoma Focus Helpline, James would have died a lot sooner. It gave them extra time with their new born baby and to make lasting memories together.

Jess was diagnosed with melanoma in November 2018. As the mother of two small children, her future with them was suddenly uncertain; 鈥渕elanoma is like a bomb exploding in your world鈥�. Determined to find credible resources to help her understand her altered landscape, she discovered the Melanoma Patient Conference. This unique conference enables leading consultants and patients to come together under one roof and discuss the latest treatments and developments, along with support and advice in living with Melanoma.聽

鈥淚 came away feeling empowered, hopeful, more confident and certain that I would be supported on the journey, whatever that might be. It鈥檚 like being with family, with people who understand. We laugh and cry together but know how lucky we are to have this space where melanoma is accepted and not the elephant in the room. The conference is THE key date in my diary and The Melanoma Focus Helpline is a lifeline to me.鈥�

Lucy was 34 years old when her husband noticed a mole on her back that looked strange. Lucy got it checked and was quickly diagnosed with Melanoma, within two years it had progressed to Stage 4.

In 2013, Lucy was told that she had months to live and her best hopes would be to join a clinical drug trial to try and prolong her life as much as possible. So Lucy did just that, and began a trial of immunotherapy which she firmly believes has saved her life, permitting her to watch her two young boys grow into strapping teenagers.

Lucy has now been living with, and treated for, stage 4 (metastatic) melanoma for coming up to 10 years; but like many cancer patients, Lucy lives life between her scans and there is always the fear of her current treatment could suddenly stop working.聽She keeps armed with knowledge and up to date of potential treatments through Melanoma Focus鈥檚 Trial Finder and the annual Melanoma Patient Conference.

Mark, a leading melanoma healthcare professional, joined the board of Melanoma Focus to help guide the charity on it鈥檚 very positive trajectory. As a Consultant in Medical Oncology, Mark specialises in the treatment and research of Melanoma and Breast Cancer as well as clinical trials of new biological agents for these diseases.

Mark believes that Melanoma Focus is unique as it both supports the patients and the clinicians who look after them, ensuring they can help the melanoma community by keeping their information current and their voice heard so they may serve and support professionals, patients and raise awareness of melanoma.

鈥淚聽am proud and privileged to be the chairman of Melanoma Focus; a charity which aims to makes a real difference to the lives of patients with melanoma and to the healthcare professionals who look after them.鈥欌��