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April is National Cancer Prevention and Early Detection month and serves as an important time to focus on education, prevention and early detection of one of the most serious forms of skin cancer. Melanoma may be less common than other skin cancers, but it is far more aggressive if not caught early. The good news is that with simple sun-safe habits and regular skin checks, cutaneous (skin) melanoma is over 90% preventable and highly treatable in its earliest stages.
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation—whether from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds—is the leading risk factor for melanoma. Even intermittent, intense sun exposure that leads to sunburns can significantly increase risk over time. Protecting your skin isn’t just about avoiding discomfort; it’s about reducing cumulative damage that can lead to cancer. Remember – there is no such thing as a safe tan!
Simple preventive steps can make a lasting difference:
These habits are not just for beach days—they should be part of your daily routine year-round.
When melanoma is detected early, the five-year survival rate is significantly higher. That’s why becoming familiar with your skin is so important. Regular self-examinations can help you notice changes before they become serious. In other words... #GetNaked!
Use the “ABCDE” rule when checking moles or spots:
If you notice any of these warning signs, or anything unusual on your skin, consult a healthcare professional promptly. Annual skin exams by a board-certified dermatologist are also recommended, especially for individuals at higher risk.
Sun safety is a lifelong commitment, and it’s never too early-or too late-to start. Parents, guardians and educators can play a critical role by teaching children to practice healthy sun-safe habits with our recently launched SunAWARE® e-learning program. SunAWARE® is designed for kindergarten through fifth grade learning and encourages healthy habits from a young age to help prevent melanoma, skin cancer and sun-related skin damage. Learn more about SunAWARE® and bring this vital education program to your community or school here or contact us at education@melanoma.org.
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On April 10, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced via a complete response letter, their decision to decline approval of the pioneering treatment known as RP1 (vusolimogene oderparepvec) in combination with nivolumab (Opdivo) for patients with anti-PD1 refractory metastatic melanoma. This decision came eight months after the initial July 21 decision denying approval of the same treatment.
There is an unmet need for treatment options for patients with anti-PD1 refractory metastatic melanoma who do not find success with other FDA approved therapeutics or clinical trials. As a patient advocacy organization, we heard from over 70 patients and caregivers who advocated for the approval of this novel therapy as a lifeline for themselves or a loved one.
As a result of the denied approval, the compassionate use program will unfortunately cease though enrollments into the IGNYTE-3 study for advanced melanoma patients and the REVEAL trial which evaluates RP2 + nivolumab in metastatic uveal melanoma patients will continue. To learn more about these studies, visit here.
View the sponsor's official statement here. The MRF will continue to serve as a trusted resource and will continue to keep the melanoma community informed of all new developments.
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| | | Join Us at an Upcoming Patient & Caregiver Symposium Near You! |
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May is Melanoma Awareness Month and serves as a unique opportunity to increase our focus on awareness, prevention and early detection and reinforce our commitment to supporting melanoma patients, survivors and caregivers. Next month, we encourage you to engage with one of our upcoming dynamic Together Against Melanoma: Patient & Caregiver symposia series. Each symposium brings together leading melanoma experts, patients, caregivers and community members to learn about the latest advancements in melanoma research and treatment. The symposia series also allows attendees to connect with others navigating similar experiences.
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| Now Live: UNC Patient & Caregiver Symposium Session Recordings |
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| You can now view all recorded sessions from the recent Together Against Melanoma: Patient & Caregiver Symposium, hosted in collaboration with the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. This event featured expert-led discussions on melanoma care, covering treatment options, surgical management and more. If you were unable to attend this event, we encourage you to view the full symposium recording here. |
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| | Upcoming Ask the Expert Session - Understanding Melanoma Risk: How Prognostic Testing Can Help Guide Your Care |
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Join us for the upcoming Ask the Expert webinar on Tuesday, May 26 from 7:00-8:00pm ET entitled, “Understanding Melanoma Risk: How Prognostic Testing Can Help Guide Your Care”. This interactive session will help patients and caregivers better understand melanoma risk and how it can inform care decisions. Attendees will learn how melanoma risk and recurrence is assessed and more information about prognostic testing as one of several tools that may help guide treatment planning.
Dermatology clinician, Andrew Baker, MPA, MBA, PA-C will provide expert insights on melanoma diagnosis, risk assessment, and emerging approaches in care, while patient advocate Leah Alexis Adams, MSSA, MNO will share her personal experience navigating melanoma, including how testing has shaped conversations and decisions in her journey. Together, this session will empower you to ask informed questions and take an active role in your care.
We thank our corporate partner, Castle Biosciences, for their support of this Ask the Expert session.
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| Free Educational Event – Together Facing Melanoma and Skin Cancer
Patients and caregivers are encouraged to attend a free educational and inspirational event, Together Facing: Melanoma and Skin Cancers, on Tuesday, May 12 from 5:30 – 8:00pm held at the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, PA.
The program will feature a panel of clinicians, researchers and patient advocacy groups including the MRF’s Rare Subtypes Education Manager, Caroline Glavin. Discussions will include promising treatments for melanoma.
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| Shop with Purpose This Melanoma Awareness Month |
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We’re also proud to recognize our outstanding Cause Marketing partners who are finding meaningful ways to give back throughout May and beyond. Their commitment plays a vital role in advancing lifesaving melanoma research, expanding education and strengthening advocacy efforts for the entire community.
Here's how you can shop with purpose and join the movement:
BloqUV – 5% of all purchases in May
TiZo – 2.5% of all purchases in May
EltaMD - for each unit of the Limited-Edition UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF40 sold, EltaMD will donate 1 unit of sunscreen to the MRF
Kerotin - 10% of all purchases in May
Cabana Life – 100% of proceeds from their Meaningful Merch Collection year-round
Coolibar – matching donations through their online checkout up to $50,000
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| | CommUNITY in Action: Supporting the MRF Across the Country |
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Last month, our team had the privilege of attending an incredible commUNITY fundraiser that made a meaningful impact in support of the MRF.
In Athens, GA, we joined the Jam in the Streets event, which raised an extraordinary $1.2 million for melanoma research and prevention, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the MRF. It was an inspiring day connecting with the community—handing out sunscreen, sharing sun safety tips and raising awareness about the importance of early detection. We’re so grateful to be part of such a powerful event and moved by the passion behind it.
Looking ahead, we’re excited for the upcoming Stay Out of the Sun Run in Rochester, MN in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic, as they raise funds for the MRF.
Interested in hosting your own commUNITY fundraiser? We’d love to help you get started—click below to learn more about how you can make an impact.
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| Celebrating Our Volunteers: Chioma Nwachuku’ Miles for Melanoma Story |
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In honor of National Volunteer Month, we’re proud to spotlight Chioma Nwachuku from our Twin Cities Miles for Melanoma 5K, whose passion and dedication help make these events so meaningful.
Chioma shares what inspires her to give her time:
“I volunteer for the Miles for Melanoma 5K because it supports a cause that truly matters, bringing awareness and hope to those impacted by melanoma. It’s inspiring to be part of an event that unites people for something bigger than themselves. I enjoy contributing my time in a way that directly supports participants and creates a positive, meaningful experience. Being involved is both fulfilling and motivating, and it’s something I’m proud to be a part of."
She also reflects on a moment that stayed with her:
“One of my favorite memories is seeing the energy and support on race day—everyone coming together for such a meaningful cause. The sense of community, from participants to volunteers, makes it incredibly special and rewarding.”
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| | Kicking off our Miles for Melanoma 5K Season! |
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The countdown is on—we’re just days away from kicking off our Miles for Melanoma 5K season, and we can’t wait to see you at the starting line. Join us next weekend in Washington, DC at Yards Park on Saturday, May 9, followed by New England on Saturday, May 16 at Franklin Park Zoo. The momentum continues this summer with stops in Denver, CO on Saturday, June 13 at Sloan Lake Park followed by Chicago, IL on Sunday, July 19 at our new venue, Diversey Harbor! Explore upcoming events, gather your team and be part of an incredible season of impact.
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We’re excited to welcome back Colorado native and melanoma advocate Jacquie Palisi as emcee for the 15th Annual Denver Gala on Thursday, September 24 at Asterisk. Join us for a powerful evening that brings the community together to celebrate resilience, honor patients and caregivers and recognize the clinicians driving progress in melanoma care. This special night is more than a gathering—it’s an opportunity to fuel critical research, advance treatment innovation and move closer to a cure. Be part of an unforgettable experience and help make a lasting impact. Click below to purchase tickets, explore sponsorship opportunities or learn more.
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| | Purchase a Ticket Today for our 25th Annual New York Gala |
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Be part of something extraordinary at the 25th Annual New York Gala on Thursday, October 15 at our stunning new venue, Guastavino's, a designated New York City interior landmark. This milestone evening is more than a celebration, it’s a powerful gathering of community, purpose and progress in the fight against melanoma. Enjoy a vibrant cocktail reception, an open bar and a gourmet dining experience, all leading into an inspiring awards program honoring those driving meaningful change. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of impact, connection and momentum. Save the date and join us as we come together to move closer to a cure.
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1420 K Street NW, 7th Floor Washington, DC 20005 | Tel: (202) 347-9675
Melanoma Research Foundation © 2026 All rights reserved.
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