Melanoma is one of the three main types of skin cancer and begins in the cells of the skin called melanocytes.
Melanocytes produce a dark pigment (melanin) which helps protect the deeper layers of the skin from ultra violet radiation (eg. sunlight). The amount of pigment that is produced varies with skin type. Darker skin tonings give greater protection from the sun however even darker skinned people can still get melanoma. It is when the melanocytes produce melanin in an unregulated or uncontrolled way that melanoma can develop.
As a melanoma begins to grow it is initially confined to the top layers of the skin, however, if left untreated can spread quickly through the deeper layers where it can then enter the lymphatic system or blood stream and travel to almost any part of the body, especially the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, brain and other areas of the skin. It is particularly dangerous when this spread occurs, and if surgery is not possible or is unsuccessful, the melanoma quickly becomes life threatening.
The most common area for a melanoma to occur on a male is the back and in females, the legs. However, melanoma can occur anywhere in the body including areas that never see the sun.
Solar Ultra Violet Radiation plays a very important role in the development of melanoma and other skin cancers. Protecting your skin when the UV is above 3 is essential in reducing your risk of skin damage, premature ageing, and life threatening conditions such as melanoma.
UV Levels can’t be seen or felt and can be high on cool or cloudy days. That’s why it’s important to check the daily UV index and take sun protection seriously whenever it’s 3 or above, OR if you’re outdoors for extended periods of time even if the UV is below 3.
Sun safety isn’t just for summer – UV protection is needed most of the year in Australia.
At, HMF, we’re here to help you. We’re a local organisation helping local people and our mission is to defeat melanoma.
With your help, over the past 35+ years, we’ve been working to defeat melanoma—and we know the work we’re doing is making a real difference. But there’s still much more to do.
In the Hunter New England Local Health District, melanoma is now the second most diagnosed cancer (Cancer Institute NSW, February 2024), underscoring the urgent need for continued awareness, early detection, and prevention.
Nationally, melanoma remains the most common cancer among Australians aged 20 to 39. Your donation and ongoing support allow us to continue this life-saving work—funding education programs, supporting patients, and advancing research to reduce the impact of melanoma in our community.
