United by a shared mission

Melanoma affects more lives than ever before:

  • Melanoma is the UK’s most rapidly-increasing type of cancer, with over 20,000 new cases every year**
  • Melanoma is in the top 5 most commonly diagnosed cancers in the UK**
  • In contrast to most cancer types, melanoma occurs relatively frequently at younger ages, from 15 upwards**
  • Melanoma is the second and third most common cancer in males and females respectively, between 15-44 years of age in England*
  • Recent figures indicate that 2,600 people die each year from malignant melanoma in the UK**
  • Men typically have a higher lifetime risk (1 in 35) of developing melanoma, than women (1 in 41)**

*Cancer registration statistics, England: final release, 2018.Published 29 May 2020.

**Cancer Research UK 

Our ambassadors use their voices and expertise to raise awareness, drive early detection and support better care for all.

Helping more people understand melanoma and the importance of early detection

Melanoma Awareness

Championing research, education and improved care for better outcomes for melanoma patients

Clinical Research

Standing alongside patients and their support persons affected by melanoma

Patient Stories

Dr Sarah Elyoussfi

Dr Sarah Elyoussfi is a Consultant Dermatologist with extensive clinical experience and a patient-centred approach. She is dedicated to delivering high-quality dermatological care while advancing awareness around skin health and prevention.

As an ambassador for Melanoma Focus, Dr Elyoussfi plays an active role in promoting education, early diagnosis, and improved outcomes for patients affected by melanoma. She is passionate about public engagement, supporting initiatives that encourage sun safety and skin awareness.

Dr Elyoussfi combines her clinical expertise with advocacy work, striving to bridge the gap between specialist dermatology services and the wider community. Her commitment to excellence and education underpins her work both in clinic and as a trusted voice in melanoma awareness.

Watch all of Dr Sarah Elyoussfi’s videos for practical advice, helpful information and conversations designed to support you in understanding melanoma, protecting and looking after your skin health.

Dr Gareth Patterson

I’m Dr Gareth Patterson, otherwise known as The Irish GP. I’m a GP based in London, originally from Northern Ireland where I trained at Queen’s University Belfast before qualifying as a General Practitioner. I have spent the past four years working in primary care in London, alongside building a growing online presence focused on accessible, evidence-based health education.

Through my work on social media, I share clear and engaging content on a wide range of topics including disease prevention, lifestyle medicine, mental health, and overall wellbeing. My aim is to empower people with practical, trustworthy information so they can make informed decisions about their health.

My passion for melanoma awareness is deeply personal. I was diagnosed with a melanoma in my mid-20s, an experience that has had a lasting impact on both my clinical practice and my approach to health education. As an ambassador for Melanoma Focus, I am committed to raising awareness about the risks of excessive and unprotected sun exposure, promoting early detection, and encouraging safer behaviours in the sun.

Explore Dr Gareth’s videos for practical advice, evidence-based advice and honest conversations designed to help you understand melanoma, protect your skin and feel more informed about your health.

 

 

Mr Ewan Wilson

I’m Ewan Wilson Consultant Plastic Surgeon and Skin Oncologist for Bristol and the South West of England specialising in the treatment of all skin cancers but especially melanoma.

Melanoma focus is such a fantastic charity and organisation which has a wonderful patient-centred approach, drives national campaigns and policies, but also pushes on with advances in melanoma treatment.

I am delighted to help spread the message about protecting yourself and others, as well as raise awareness around Melanoma.

Watch Ewan Wilson’s videos for expert insight and practical information about melanoma, UV protection, prevention, early detection and treatment.

Professor Ricky Frazer

Professor Ricky Frazer, MB BCh (Hons), BSc, MSc (Med Educ), PgCert (Clin Lead), PgCert (Acute Med), MAcadeMEd, MRCP, AFFMLM, is an Honorary Visiting Professor in the Division of Infection and Immunity at Cardiff University and a Consultant Medical Oncologist at Velindre Cancer Services. He is a national clinical leader in immuno-oncology, service transformation and medical education, with expertise in immunotherapy, renal cancer, melanoma, acute oncology and advanced cellular therapies.

He is a Clinical Director for Acute, Inpatient and Palliative Care, Clinical Lead for the South East Wales Immunotherapy Toxicity Service and Vice President and Deputy CEO of the Immuno-Oncology Clinical Network. He is also Co-founder of The Immunobuddies global education platform.

As a Melanoma Focus ambassador, he will be bringing his passion of putting patients at the centre of his work, how we can support patients and carers and how we work with healthcare professionals to ensure melanoma patients get the best possible care.

Discover Professor Ricky Frazer’s videos for expert insight into melanoma treatment, immunotherapy, managing treatment side effects, patient support and developments in melanoma care.

Dr Alia Ahmed

I am a Consultant Dermatologist with a special interest in Psychodermatology (aka a ‘Psychodermatologist’). This means I see skin conditions not only from a medical perspective, but I also consider the psychological impact, especially the effect of stress on the skin.

I am a huge supporter of skin positivity. I believe that your skin has its own voice, it just needs to be heard. There are so many inspirational ‘skinfluencers’ out there that I am learning from. I thank all these brave role models for sharing their skin stories and laying it bare in front of the world. Empowerment is the key to normalizing visible differences. I hope through my work I can add to this growing movement.

 

Watch Dr Alia Ahmed’s videos for supportive conversations about skin and mental health, wellbeing, body image, skin positivity and the emotional impact of living with or beyond melanoma.

Jaime Nobbs

Jaime is a Melanoma Clinical Nurse Specialist at the The Royal Marsden Hospital. She advises Melanoma Focus on all aspects of Sun Safety and recently worked with us to produce a range of explainer videos to help the public stay safe in the sun.