Global Advocacy

Over the past decade, there has been a dramatic change in the melanoma treatment landscape with more treatment options and better outcomes for patients than ever before. However, this is not the case for far too many people around the world. In 2014, the Melanoma Research Foundation, in response to the global need for bringing the patient voice to the melanoma space, brought together organizations from around the world to create the Global Coalition for Melanoma Patient Advocacy. Since its founding, the group has grown to include 34 organizations from 27 different countries and is enthusiastically supported by not only its partners around the world, but also the global patient, healthcare and pharmaceutical communities. The Coalition meets the vital needs of the worldwide melanoma community through the functioning of three working groups, each specializing in a unique area (Melanoma Awareness and Patient Resources, Patient Advocacy and Access to Treatment and Collaboration and Recruitment) that has been identified by the group as addressing globally relevant issues for melanoma patients. The work being done by each group is as follows:

New research has found that nearly 90% of melanomas are preventable, so raising awareness is of utmost importance to slowing the rapidly rising worldwide rates of diagnoses. Despite the best efforts of many groups to raise awareness, much is still unknown about what messaging effects change in public behavior, which is where the Melanoma Awareness Working Group sees the opportunity to make a positive impact. Currently, the Awareness Working Group is striving to:

Additionally, one of the most meaningful initiatives for the group has been the creation of the first World Melanoma Month. Hereafter, World Melanoma Month will be recognized during the month of May each year around the world. All 27 partner countries will conduct their own outreach and public health initiatives that meet their unique cultural needs.

In many countries, the only treatment available to melanoma patients is traditional chemotherapy, and in some countries, no options exist at all. Additionally, in some places where newer, more effective treatments are available, they are at times offered at such a cost as to be inaccessible by large portions of the population. This disparity results in drastically different outcomes for patients based on where they are located and if they have the resources to cover the cost of the drugs or to travel to a location where they are available. The Patient Advocacy and Access to Treatment Working Group is working to develop and share effective methods and programs to advocate for the benefit of the melanoma community. These efforts include advocating with governments, pharmaceutical companies, health systems, academia and other appropriate bodies, in addition to:

This working group is responsible for researching and finding other global melanoma organizations and evaluate the potential overlap of missions. Also, to explore possible future collaboration efforts. The working group is composed of coalition members from various countries and represent all continents worldwide, with expertise and or strong interest in these specific areas. The mission of the collaboration working group is to,

The Global Coalition for Melanoma Patient Advocacy meets in person annually, with its last meeting occurring during the Society for Melanoma Research annual meeting. However, these working groups communicate year-round to make sure they are on target with their goals and advancing the state of melanoma care and advocacy around the world. The Global Coalition for Melanoma Patient Advocacy is strongly positioned to move forward in the months and years ahead and is determined to make the deadliest skin cancer curable through its worldwide partnership.

For more information or with questions about the Global Coalition, email [email protected].