A Message from our Chair

As 2025 draws to a close, we are pleased to share a message from our Chair, Dr Mark Harries, reflecting on this year’s achievements.

“It is both a privilege and an honour to know that melanoma patients and their families turn to us for trusted information and support during some of the most challenging times in their lives.

We work alongside melanoma experts and are proud to be at the forefront of collaboration – bringing together national and international experts through our accredited melanoma healthcare professional conferences. Our goal is to unite this medical excellence with every aspect of our work for patients and their support persons.

This commitment shines through at the Melanoma Patient Conference, where melanoma patients and their loved ones can connect in a supportive environment and hear directly about the latest advances in melanoma research and treatment; as well as hearing amazing testimonials from people affected by the disease.

Our national awareness activities and advocacy work are vital, particularly as nearly 9 in 10 cases of melanoma are preventable – being directly related to ultra-violet light from the sun or sunbeds. In 2025 our advocacy work focused on shaping the Cancer Plan to reduce melanoma risk by improving access to, and encouraging the use of, factor 30+ sunscreen as well as addressing the harms associated with sunbed use. We are also supporting efforts to introduce neoadjuvant immunotherapy into clinical practice in England, following its successful approval in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

As we reflect on our achievements this year, and as we head into 2026, we are confident that our collaborative work with patients, their support persons and healthcare professionals will continue to drive meaningful progress for this underserved community.”