National Skin Cancer Action Week

Did you know that two thirds of Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by age 70? Or that melanoma, the most dangerous skin cancer, is also the most common cancer in people between the ages of 15 - 44? *

November 15 - 21 is National Skin Cancer Action Week, and on Wednesday November 18 The Dermatology Research Foundation (DRF) at the University of Sydney is celebrating its 21^st Anniversary.

The Dermatology Research Foundation is committed to improving knowledge of the skin and supporting research into skin diseases, particularly skin cancer.

Over the past 21 years the DRF has achieved several significant breakthroughs including:

• Proof that UVA (as well as UVB) causes skin cancer. This has led to the requirement for sunscreens to provide broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB;
• Identification of new molecular mechanisms, enabling greater understanding of the development and growth of skin cancers;
• Discovery of a new mechanism in the generation of T lymphocyte responses, contributing to a greater understanding of immune response regulation - a key defence against skin cancer and other diseases;
• Discovery of the role of a new gene (Brm) in skin cancer development;
• Development of a measurement of ultraviolet-induced immunosuppression, and the identification of chemicals to reduce this immunosuppression (immunosuppression - such as that experienced by organ transplant patients - heightens the risk of developing skin cancer);
• Contribution to the development of imiquimod, a skin cancer drug now in therapeutic use in Australia;

The anniversary celebrations offer a moment to reflect on the achievements of the previous two decades as well as the opportunity to learn more about current DRF-supported research activities and future directions.

Speakers on the night will include:

Professor Bruce Armstrong (University of Sydney School of Public Health) will discuss the impact and continuing relevance of skin cancer

Professor Gary Halliday (Sydney Medical School & the Bosch Institute) will address research highlights from the past two decades;

Raymond E Purves Chair of Dermatology Professor Wolfgang Weninger (Sydney Medical School & the Centenary Institute) outlining potential directions for new research, particularly in understanding skin cancer at the molecular level and the consequent potential for developing targeted therapies for individual patients;

Working with scientists and research dermatologists from world class organisations including Sydney Medical School, the Bosch Institute, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and the Centenary Institute, the Dermatology Research Foundation facilitates advancements in prevention, early detection and patient care, in order to improve skin health for the entire community.

The Dermatology Research Foundation welcomes support from individuals and organisations, and all donations are fully tax deductible.

For further information contactJacquie Stratford on 9036 5119