Melanoma - Queensland Institute of Medical Research

Melanoma

People who live in Queensland have the highest rates of melanoma in the world. Over 10,000 cases of melanoma are diagnosed each year in Australia, with 25 percent of those Queensland cases.

Melanomas appear as a mole or freckle that changes colour, size or shape, but are the most dangerous type of skin cancer. They metastasise rapidly throughout the body and can cause tumours to grow in the liver and brain, resulting in a poor survival rate.

Our research focuses on:

Conducting the largest study of skin cancer in Queensland, QSkin
Researching the safety and effectiveness of sunscreens
Developing animal models for melanoma
Partnering with Suncorp Skin Cancer Initiative to raise awareness of sun safety

Our recent research has found:

Sunscreen is proven to reduce the risk of melanoma.
Many new genes that increase the risk of melanoma.

Research groups involved in skin cancer research:

Cancer and Population Studies Group
Cancer Control Group
Genetic Epidemiology
Molecular Epidemiology
Skin Carcinogenesis
Statistical Genetics