Category: Prevention
Testing AI in the Melanoma: From Promise to Action
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 8 March 2022 In Prevention, Science
If you browse through your phone’s app store, you’ll find dozens of apps promising to help determine if a mole you’ve been staring at is cancerous or not based on the power of AI. While a great goal, none of these apps have earned approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, to do so, apps — and the algorithms that they rely on — will need to be rigorously tested in the real world and across diverse populations. This is exactly where Dr. Novoa’s research is aimed.
Preventing Melanoma Among Hispanic Americans
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 22 February 2022 In Melanoma Stories, Prevention, Science
Dr. Costello’s online platform aims to teach participants about the risk factors for melanoma, what it looks like, and how they can screen themselves for concerning lesions. Costello’s program launched in February, 2022; and he hopes to get 30,000 people to participate in the 40-minute curriculum by the end of May 2022.
Registration Now Open for March 9 Patient Forum!
11 January 2022 In Allies & Partnerships, Events, News, Policy, Prevention, Science, Treatment
MRA’s Melanoma Exchange Patient Forum, held in-person in Washington DC and virtually on March 9, will bring together melanoma patients, survivors, advocates, and their loved ones to provide lay-friendly, state-of-the-science education, promote collaboration, and provide networking opportunities across the melanoma community.
Challenge Accepted: MRA 2020 - 2021 Annual Report
19 October 2021 In Allies & Partnerships, Melanoma Stories, News, Policy, Prevention, Science, Treatment
This was a year like no other. COVID-19 presented new challenges that required new ways of thinking. At MRA, confronting challenges is part of our DNA. We never stop challenging ourselves, no matter the odds or obstacles, in pursuit of conquering melanoma and saving lives.
Advancing Melanoma Research in Times of Uncertainty
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 9 June 2021 In Allies & Partnerships, Melanoma Stories, Policy, Prevention, Science, Treatment
Each year, the annual MRA Scientific Retreat brings hundreds of people from across the melanoma research ecosystem together to exchange ideas, report on scientific progress, celebrate achievements, and mourn the losses. In these ways, the 2021 Retreat was no different.
SPOTMYUV: Your Sunscreen’s New Best Friend
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 20 May 2021 In Allies & Partnerships, Prevention
SPOTMYUV, a small, water-resistant sticker applied to any skin exposed to direct sunlight such as your arm or shoulder, helps the wearer know when it is time to reapply their sunscreen by changing color. Throughout the day, a SPOT sticker works to absorb the sunscreen’s UV protecting ingredients at about the same rate as your skin. The SPOT is clear when you are protected by your sunscreen and quickly turns into a deep purple as the sunscreen loses its effectiveness. By monitoring the SPOT, you get a real-time way to monitor your sunscreen without chancing sunburn.
Melanoma Research Alliance Announces $8.1 million in Research Awards
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 27 April 2021 In News, Prevention, Science, Treatment
The Melanoma Research Alliance, the largest non-profit funder of melanoma research, is proud to announce $8.1 million in funding for 34 new research awards. The awards, issued on the cusp of Melanoma Awareness Month, provide critical funding to address urgent unmet needs in melanoma.
Summer Kramer: Aligning Passion with Purpose
19 April 2021 In Allies & Partnerships, Melanoma Stories, Prevention
Frustrated with her inability to find stylish UPF protective clothing after her own melanoma diagnosis, Summer Kramer founded her own company called SUMMERSKIN. Now, eight years later, she has aligned her passion with purpose through a new partnership with the Melanoma Research Alliance.
UV Exposure & Risk of Cutaneous Melanoma in Skin of Color
By Rachel Fischer, Ph.D., Associate Director, Scientific Program & Registry | 14 April 2021 In News, Prevention, Science
In JAMA Dermatology, a team led by Adewole S. Adamson, MD, from The University of Texas at Austin, investigates whether there is an association, specifically in People of Color, between UV exposure and melanoma. MRA breaks down what this research means and how it should impact your sun safety practices.
Estimating Melanoma Risk by Examining Skin’s Mutational Burden
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 10 February 2021 In Prevention, Science
We’ve known for decades that most melanomas – formed from the color-producing cells in our skin called melanocytes – are predominantly caused by UV-radiation-induced damage from the sun or indoor tanning devices. This damage is cumulative but is often invisible.