Malignant melanoma is one of the most rapidly increasing forms of cancer in the world, possibly accelerated by the thinning of the ozone layer.

The incidence in Britain has risen by 143% in eighteen years, and there is a comparable increase throughout the world. Yet far too little is known about the disease by the "man in the street"; they need to know that it is a real killer.

Melanoma affected 1 in 1,500 in the 1930s: now it affects 1 in 50. It is one of the Diseases of the 21st Century.

If you have a mole that is changing, particularly rapidy, go to your doctoer NOW. Not tomorrow, or next week: NOW, and you might just have saved your life. Inspect your moles regularly: certain areas can't easily be seen (such as the shoulders, or the back, so do it with your partner or a friend 

We have four objectives:

1) RAISE AWARENESS AND PUBLICISE the deadly nature of malignant melanoma, diagnostic signs and precautions that should be taken.

2) EDUCATION

3) FUND RESEARCH TO FIND A CURE 

4) MAKE DIAGNOSIS MORE READILY AVAILABLE (e.g. through free Walk-In clinics)

Of course research into the disease is taking place worldwide, but progress is constrained by lack of money. Everybody reading this will know of someone who has been in contact with malignant melanoma and they will appreciate the urgency to find a cure.

We are indebted to Dr Martin Gore, of the Royal Marsden Hospital, and to Mr Paul Banwell of Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead for their advice.

We can't do it alone (and we don't even want to). We need many, many people to organise small events and to GET INVOLVED, or to sponsor major treks or challenges being undertaken.

EVERY PENNY COUNTS!

It is not a disease that is confined to Britain. Malignant melanoma know no boundaries. That's why Harry Townsend's walk from end to end of the North Island of New Zealand (800 miles, 68 days) was the catalyst for the formation of the Melanoma Foundation of New Zealand, a national Charity in that country: money raised on that walk was the seed to establish this Charity 

If a cure can be found in one country, then it is a cure worldwide.

Please help.