About MRF Advocacy

Although it is the fastest growing cancer in the United States and worldwide, most Americans are unaware of the seriousness of melanoma.  The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) acts as an advocate for the melanoma community to raise the awareness of this deadly type of skin cancer and the need for a cure.

The MRF offers educational services for patients and physicians about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of melanoma and maintains an active presence at professional conferences, such as the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the American Association of Dermatology (AAD) annual meetings.

The MRF partners closely with the Society for Melanoma Research (SMR) and is a sponsor of the SMR’s International Melanoma Congress. The Congress highlights new momentum in melanoma research, which is yielding new understanding of the causes, diagnosis and treatment of melanoma.  Additionally, the MRF works collaboratively with the pharmaceutical and corporate world to further the progress being made in fighting this serious disease.

Increased funding from government entities is critical, given the very real opportunities available for developing new and meaningful therapies, especially for those with advanced melanoma.  The MRF works diligently with government at the local, state and federal levels and is a leading force to increase federal funding for melanoma research and skin cancer prevention programs through:

• Defense Department’s Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP)
• National Cancer Institute (NCI)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) SunWise Program

The MRF works in concert with other melanoma and skin cancer organizations to advance a national agenda for melanoma research, education and awareness.  The MRF is proud to be a core member of the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, the united voice of 45 groups dedicated to skin cancer prevention in the United States.

DoD Testimony

On behalf of the Melanoma Research Foundation, Martin A. Weinstock, M.D., Ph.D., professor of dermatology at Brown Alpert Medical School, testified on May 20, 2010 to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense on the importance of continued funding for melanoma research.  He requested $10 million for melanoma research to better understand the unique biology of the many different types of melanoma and to develop effective treatments. 

The statistics on melanoma and skin cancer are staggering and impact all Americans, including those in the military.  With more than 150,000 U.S. Army, National Guard, Coast Guard, Air Force and Marine personnel currently stationed in Iraq, where the intensity of sun exposure is high, they face the potential for a long-term risk of melanoma.  Increased funding, especially at the federal levels, is critical to finding a cure and improving current treatment strategies.

View Martin A. Weinstock’s testimony.