Melanoma Prevention and Clinical Trials

Today, there are over 1.4 million people living with melanoma in the U.S. Melanoma remains the deadliest form of skin cancer. Estimates suggest more than 8,000 people will lose their lives from this disease this year. The Melanoma Research Foundation’s (MRF) Melanoma Awareness Month #GetNaked campaign, celebrated each May, encourages everyone to embrace sun-safe practices as the best way to prevent the onset of melanoma by using sunscreen daily, wearing UPF-clothing that protects the skin from the sun, performing monthly skin self-checks at home and scheduling an annual dermatological skin check.

2024 #GetNaked Spokesperson Raheem Mostert is a Running Back for the Miami Dolphins, longtime melanoma supporter and advocate. Raheem has worked closely with the MRF to raise both awareness and funds for melanoma research. Raheem remains passionate about using his platform to promote melanoma awareness, prevention, early detection and embracing sun-safe practices for ALL skin tones. Take the pledge to #GetNaked, share Raheem’s story and your own with someone you know. It may save your life.    

Clinical trials are incredibly important to the development of new treatments for those living with melanoma. Clinical research studies help find new ways to treat, prevent and diagnose diseases. All treatments available today have been discovered through clinical trials. Before 2011, only three drugs received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to treat melanoma. Since 2011, 16 more drugs have been FDA-approved for this type of cancer. This is the power of clinical trials!

Clinical trials are often viewed as the best treatment option for people with stage II, III and IV melanoma, so it is important to learn about trials so you can make an informed treatment decision. A clinical trial is carefully designed to closely monitor people’s progress as they go through treatment with an investigational drug, product, device or method of treatment that has not been approved by the FDA.

This animated video is part of the You and Melanoma educational learning module video series offered through MRF’s Education Institute, a free educational resource containing helpful materials for the melanoma community. The video explains what clinical trials are in more detail, how they are conducted and why they are important for people with melanoma. You will learn more about the potential benefits and risks associated with participation, phases of clinical trials, eligibility criteria, informed consent and more. Clinical trials are seen as a beacon of hope for many patients. All treatment options, including clinical trials, should be thoroughly discussed with your melanoma care team.

The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is the largest independent organization devoted to melanoma. Committed to the support of medical research to develop effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma, the MRF also educates patients and physicians about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous melanoma and the melanoma rare subtypes including ocular melanoma, mucosal melanoma, pediatric/adolescent and young adult (AYA) melanoma and acral lentiginous melanoma. The MRF is a dedicated advocate for the melanoma community, helping to raise awareness of this disease and the need for a cure. The MRF website is the premier source for melanoma information seekers.

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