Scott Kirkbride Melanoma Research Centre (SKMRC)


http://www.skmrc.org.au

Welcome

Scott Kirkbride

The Scott Kirkbride Melanoma Research Centre, based within the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research (WAIMR), is dedicated to investigating the causes of melanoma.

The SKMRC was established in memory of young Perth golfer, Scott Kirkbride, who lost his battle with melanoma in 2004 at the age of 27. The SKMRC has been made possible through ongoing fundraising efforts by Scott's family and friends, as well as a generous commitment by the University of Western Australia (UWA) to match the funding dollar for dollar over five years.

The SKMRC aims to establish Western Australia (WA) as a world leader in melanoma research by providing crucial breakthroughs for improved diagnosis and treatment of the deadly skin cancer.

One of the promising projects being undertaken at the Centre is to ask all newly-diagnosed skin cancer patients in WA to volunteer their health information, as well as give a blood sample. The study will be one of the most comprehensive initiatives of its type anywhere in the world and could aid the creation of new tools, such as a blood test, to diagnose melanoma.

Australia has one of the world's highest rates of melanoma and, despite awareness programs educating people about the dangers of spending too much time in the sun, the skin cancer is becoming more prevalent, with more than 1,000 new cases diagnosed each year in WA.

What's New!

John ThompsonCommunity Talk Reveals Future of Tackling Melanoma

Just ahead of summer, the Scott Kirkbride Melanoma Research Centre is bringing cancer researcher Professor John Thompson, the Executive Director of the Melanoma Institute Australia - one of the world's largest melanoma treatment and research centres - to Perth for a free community seminar.

More »

Robin ScaifeQuest Begins to Boost Chemotherapy Effectiveness in Melanoma

WA scientists have received funding for two new projects which hold promise of making chemotherapy drugs more effective in treating melanoma, as well as uncovering new ways to tackle the aggressive skin cancer.

More »

SKMRCAdvances in Melanoma Conference

In November the SKMRC will host a one day satellite meeting. Speaking will be Professor Nick Hayward, Professor Graham Mann, Professor John Thompson and Professor Meenhard Herlyn.

More »