The Australian Government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has announced a $10.3 million investment to combat the nation’s most prevalent cancer—skin cancer.
Australia holds the highest rate of skin cancer globally, with two-thirds of the population likely to be diagnosed at some point in their lives. The disease is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the country, and in 2023, more than 18,000 Australians were diagnosed with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Early detection is critical in improving treatment outcomes, and this new funding aims to accelerate the development of a national skin cancer screening framework. The program will harness expertise from across the cancer sector, with the initiative being led by 2023 Australians of the Year, Professor Georgina Long AO and Professor Richard Scolyer AO, of the Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA).
Development of National Screening Roadmap
The funding will support the Melanoma Institute Australia in collaboration with other key stakeholders to create risk-based, cost-effective screening approaches for skin cancer. The initiative also aims to enhance the quality of skin cancer data in the Australian Cancer Database, working closely with the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
The announcement follows meetings between Health Minister Mark Butler and skin cancer sector representatives to initiate the implementation of the $10.3 million program and explore additional opportunities to improve outcomes across the cancer continuum.
Melanoma Nurses Program
As part of the broader effort, the Albanese Government is also supporting the establishment of a national melanoma nurses program, which is integrated into Australia’s first Cancer Nursing and Navigation Program. The program provides patients with access to dedicated melanoma nurses, guiding them through diagnosis and treatment.
This initiative is already making a difference in communities such as Bendigo, Toowoomba, Perth, Wollongong, and Canberra.
Preventative Campaigns
In addition to the screening program, the government is also backing a $15 million national skin cancer prevention campaign. The campaign promotes the “Five S’s” of skin protection: Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, and Slide—especially targeting men over 40 and young adults, who are at heightened risk.
Statements from Key Figures
Health Minister Mark Butler emphasized the preventability of skin cancer, stating, “Skin cancer is our national cancer, but it’s also one of the most preventable. As we head into summer, we should all remind ourselves to do the Five S’s. The investment will accelerate the work underway by the Melanoma Institute in building this important national roadmap.”
Professor Georgina Long AO, co-leader of the Melanoma Institute Australia, described the funding as a “major first step” in establishing a comprehensive skin cancer screening program. “The allocation of $10.3 million to research and develop an evidence-based roadmap for a targeted skin cancer screening program is exciting for the sector,” she added.
Professor Richard Scolyer AO also welcomed the funding, noting the importance of prevention. “Prevention is better than a cure, and the more investment in this area, the better. We welcome the government’s $15 million commitment to prevention messaging around skin cancer and melanoma,” he said.
Conclusion
The Albanese Government’s significant investment in skin cancer prevention, detection, and treatment underscores the growing national effort to combat Australia’s most common cancer. With the support of leading experts and the development of targeted screening programs, the initiative marks a critical step toward reducing the devastating impact of skin cancer across the country.
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