Melanoma and Skin Cancer Advocacy Network - MSCAN

11/06/2026

Congratulations to Prof H. Peter Soyer on his appointment as an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours for distinguished service to dermatology, the diagnosis of skin cancer, and medical research.

This is very well deserved recognition for a legend in Australia's melanoma and skin cancer landscape.

We're grateful for Prof Soyer's efforts to reduce the burden of Australia's national cancer. We're also grateful for his efforts as part of MSCAN's Clinical and Research Advisory Committee. He is clever, committed and a top notch collaborator.

Here's Prof Soyer receiving MSCAN's On the Spot Award for Dedication to Changing Australia's Skin Cancer Landscape at Parliament House, Canberra, November 2024. Find out more: https://mscan.org.au/spot-on-award-dedication/

10/06/2026

MSCAN was successful in securing funding through the Australian Government’s Cancer Patient Support Program to scale up the Melanoma and Skin Cancer Nurse Hub – an online portal of free, evidence-based information for nurses working in, or interested in working in, melanoma and skin cancer wherever they are based in Australia.

The Nurse Hub is managed by our wonderful partners, the Melanoma and Skin Cancer Nurses Organisation.

The grant is helping us create 10 new CPD endorsed nurse education modules and accompanying patient resources which will be launched mid-2027 on an improved Nurse Hub.

Here's the project delivery underway with Donna (co-Founder of the MSCNO), Nonnie (Project Manager) and Jamie (Chief Technology Officer) talking through the new Hub.. it's coming along very nicely!

08/06/2026

Thank you, Professor Richard Scolyer AO, for an incredible contribution to melanoma, skin cancer, pathology, clinical trials and research.

MSCAN is grateful for your truly remarkable legacy.

Condolences to Richard's family.

Vale Richard.

02/06/2026

It's the start of winter ❄️

A shift in seasons means two things:

1. MSCAN's super exciting quarterly newsletter is ready to read: https://us10.campaign-archive.com/?u=58b9625cf38ad98e4ac5d65e7&id=c9c08dd7a3

2. It's time to check your skin for suspicious spots. Find out how on the MSCAN website.

24/05/2026

MSCAN advocates for more timely and equitable access to medicine. For cancer patients, this can be life saving.

Adding medicines to the PBS gives patients more affordable treatment options.

Here's Tamara Dawson, MSCAN Founder and CEO, on the ABC PM Program: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/pm/pbs-includes-new-cancer-and-ms-treatments/106694172

📻: ABC Radio, PM Program, 18 May 2026

21/05/2026

We are delighted to welcome Liz Marshall to the MSCAN Board.

Liz is a terrific addition to our outstanding team of Directors, shifting the landscape of melanoma and skin cancer through national leadership, fearless advocacy and patient-led innovation.

You can learn more about Liz on the MSCAN website: https://mscan.org.au/about-us/our-team/

19/05/2026

Congratulations The Australasian College of Dermatologists on an inspiring Annual Scientific Meeting. We appreciate the opportunity to be part of it 🙌

The event has been an excellent opportunity to connect with clinicians, researchers and patient organisations with an interest in the body's largest organ - skin!

Here's a few highlights:

* MSCAN CEO, Tamara Dawson, with ACD President, Dr Adrian Lim, discussing the Skin Cancer Scorecard
* MSCAN Community Engagement Superstar, Dianna Hiles, with Australian Dermatology Nurses Association President, Vivienne Speirs, and Tamara Dawson
* MSCAN's advocacy efforts at Parliament House, Canberra, showcased on the big screen during the conference..

16/05/2026

That's a wrap on Day 1 of the The Australasian College of Dermatologists Annual Scientific Meeting in Melbourne. This excellent conference has provided:

💭 insightful and informative conference sessions on melanoma and skin cancer
💡valuable follow-up on Australia's first Skin Cancer Scorecard, launched by ACD + MSCAN in late 2025
💪 productive discussions with patient support groups at ACD's annual roundtable
💬 opportunities for MSCAN to engage with clinicians, researchers and industry partners, including at our exhibition stand.

We'll be back for Day 2!!

13/05/2026

Astounding statistics.

We need to change the culture around tanning and sun beds worldwide. The evidence is undeniable — UV exposure causes melanoma and skin cancer. A tan is not worth your life.

Sun beds expose users to UV radiation & has been driving up the incidence of skin cancers.
The risk of developing skin cancer varies greatly with skin type, but the majority of skin cancers are found in light-skinned people.

12/05/2026

It's International Nurses Day!

Today (and every day) we are grateful for the nurses that share their expertise, skills and kindness with melanoma and skin cancer patients 💜

MSCAN is proud to work alongside the Melanoma & Skin Cancer Nurses Organisation (MSCNO).

Hear from Donna, co-Founder of the MSCNO, on the unique perspective of nurses.