Perth local Emma Rowles was diagnosed with a rare melanoma at 32 years old when she was 36 weeks pregnant.
The Melanoma March is set to celebrate its 15th anniversary at Victoria Park, urging the Perth community to don their walking shoes and step forward in support of lifesaving melanoma research. This family-friendly event, scheduled for Sunday, March 15, at Taylor Reserve, has been a cornerstone in raising funds and awareness for vital skin cancer research since its inception in 2012, uniting communities across Australia.
Professor Georgina Long, the medical director of the Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA), emphasized the organization’s commitment to advancing critical research for those affected by melanoma. “Our dedicated multi-disciplinary team at MIA remains focused on planning ahead for what our next major change in practice needs to be to transform outcomes, not only for melanoma patients, but for patients across all cancers,” she stated.
Melanoma: A Growing Concern in Australia
Melanoma stands as the deadliest form of skin cancer, with Australia reporting the highest melanoma rates worldwide. It is notably the most common cancer among Australians aged 20 to 39. Events like the Melanoma March play a crucial role in funding MIA’s research towards breakthrough treatments, including targeted drug therapies and immunotherapies.
Emma Rowles, a Perth local, shares her personal battle with a rare form of melanoma, initially mistaken for a benign mole, at the age of 32 while 36 weeks pregnant. “I wasn’t worried about the mole — it was skin-coloured, slightly raised and symmetrical, not the type you’re told to look out for,” Rowles recalled.
A Personal Journey and Medical Breakthroughs
Rowles’ diagnosis of spitzoid melanoma, a rare form that posed a threat to her unborn child, led to an emergency caesarean and urgent cancer scans. Her story underscores the critical need for continued research and awareness. “One moment I was preparing to meet my daughter, the next I was having an emergency caesarean, so I could undergo urgent cancer scans,” she recounted.
Less than a decade ago, advanced melanoma often meant a grim prognosis. However, MIA’s research has been instrumental in developing groundbreaking treatments that have significantly improved survival rates. These advancements include targeted drug therapies, immunotherapies, and pre-surgery immunotherapy, offering hope to patients like Rowles.
According to recent statistics, one person is diagnosed with melanoma every 30 minutes, and one person succumbs to the disease every six hours.
The Impact of Community Support and Future Outlook
Rowles expressed her gratitude for initiatives like the Melanoma March, which empower individuals to contribute to the fight against melanoma. “I’m supporting Melanoma March to raise awareness and vital funds for research. Without that research, I may not have been here to watch my children grow up,” she said.
The event’s success over the past 15 years highlights the power of community involvement in driving research and innovation. As melanoma remains a significant health challenge, the ongoing support from events like these is crucial in sustaining momentum towards finding a cure.
The Melanoma March represents not only a fundraising effort but also a beacon of hope for those affected by the disease. As the event continues to grow, it serves as a reminder of the collective effort required to combat melanoma and improve outcomes for future generations.
Looking ahead, the Melanoma Institute Australia remains steadfast in its mission to push the boundaries of cancer research, aiming to transform treatment practices and ultimately eradicate melanoma as a life-threatening disease.
