Melanoma Focus

Today is Helpline Awareness Day.

Our specialist melanoma nurses are here to provide confidential information and support.

📞 0808 801 0777

Mon - Fri: 1-2pm & 7-9pm
Sun: 7-9pm

Leave a message outside these hours and we’ll return your call.

#MelanomaFocus #HelplineAwarenessDay

Please get in touch if this deadline is problematic due to medical reasons.

#melanoma #melanomasupport #mpc2026 #melanompatientconference

2 weeks to go until the 2026 Melanoma Patient Conference, we would love you to join us on the 5th and 6th March at the Voco St. Johns Hotel in Birmingham, Solihull, for 2 days of expert insight, patient stories and community connection.

Register here: buff.ly/mkr1cqC
Closes: 23 February 2026

Why not challenge yourself and do more? On your own or in a team. Don't worry, we will be cheering you on every step of the way! 💛

Sign up today 👉 buff.ly/n8KBHVa

The 100 Miles in May challenge is BACK for 2026! This May you can support two charities when Melanoma Focus &
SKCIN come together to raise vital funds and awareness.

You can do 100 miles anyway you like. 🚴‍♂️ 🛼 🏃 🏊

Throughout the day we aim to share more information about how the plan will impact the melanoma community.

#CancerPlan

We have worked with the Government to provide evidence for this plan to ensure our community’s voices are heard. This plan has the power to deliver real change for people living with cancer, and we’re hopeful its launch today marks the start of meaningful progress.

Today, on #WorldCancerDay we welcome the Government’s 10-year National Cancer Plan for England.📋️

News this morning has reported that patients will receive faster diagnosis, quicker treatment, and the support to live well with cancer under this new plan.

A melanoma diagnosis can be overwhelming and confusing.
Remember, you are not alone.💙

Our specialist helpline nurses are here to support you and your loved ones.

🤳 0808 801 0777
🕐 Mon- Fri: 1pm-2pm & 7pm-9pm
Sun: 7pm-9pm

#melanoma #melanomahelpline #melanomasupport #patientsupport

📣 Sign up for the 2026 Royal Parks Half Marathon!

We’ve partnered with Run for Charity to bring you Royal Parks Half places, but hurry as this iconic event is one of their most popular and it sells out in a quickly.

Learn more 👉 buff.ly/Ttx3WB7

The Melanoma Patient Conference is fantastic annual event for patients and their loved ones, but don't just take our word for it! 💙

📆Thursday 5th & Friday 6th March 2026
📍Voco St Johns Hotel Solihull, Birmingham, B91 1AT

Register today 👉 buff.ly/GMM3LDL

#melanomasupport

Over the weekend we were proud to see our data & messaging featured in over 85 pieces of online & broadcast coverage.

Highlights included our CEO on BBC Breakfast yesterday morning alongside Emma, an incredible patient advocate.

Thank you to all the patients who shared their stories this weekend.

New Potential Regulations around Commercial Sunbed Use News reports today reveal that new proposals under the soon-to-be launched National Cancer Plan will be looking to strengthen regulations around commercial sunbed use, including banning unsupervised s...

3/3) We support the action the Department of Health and Social Care is proposing. These proposals form part of the government's wider focus on prevention in the forthcoming National Cancer Plan, which will set out their ambition to reduce lives lost to cancer.

buff.ly/rKZfbyv

(2/3) This data clearly demonstrates that the need for action is clear. Sunbeds emit high intensity UV radiation which can damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to genetic changes and mutations. This damage from UV exposure, particularly in younger skin, increases your risk of skin cancer over time

(1/3) Following on from yesterday’s news that the soon-to-be launched National Cancer Plan will be looking to tackle underage sunbed use, we wanted to share this alarming statistic from our research.

Crackdown on illegal underage sunbeds use to cut teen cancer risk The government plans to crackdown on illegal underage sunbeds use to cut cancer risks to teenagers

The time to act is now and we therefore support the action the Department of Health and Social Care is proposing.

Learn more: www.gov.uk/government/n...

We are delighted that the Government is taking real steps to tackle the use of sunbeds by those under 18, as well as planning to consult on the use of sunbeds more broadly. The need for action is clear, with 34% of UK 16-17 year olds using sunbeds despite them being illegal for under 18s.

📣 More big sunbed news…
New proposals under the soon-to-be launched National Cancer Plan will be looking to strengthen requirements around commercial sunbed use, including banning unsupervised sessions and introducing mandatory ID checks to verify users are over 18.

Our brilliant ambassador, Dr Sarah Elyoussfi reminding you to check all your nooks and crannies!

Melanoma skin cancer can occur in places where the doesn't always shine, like in-between your toes or the soles of your feet.

Remember to check those areas when carrying out your monthly skin check. 🔍

This health information week, we are delighted to share that our Checking your Skin and Nails webpage and resources have been included in @england.nhs.uk and the @pifonline.bsky.social's joint collection of certified health resources about early cancer diagnosis.

Read more 👉 buff.ly/6LwbUjS

Our sunbed information 👉 buff.ly/dWdFu3h

#melanoma #skincancer #sunbeds

These claims included that sunbed use is safe or that tanning can be achieved safely, and that sunbeds could boost vitamin D, improve mood and energy levels, and treat health conditions such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), psoriasis and eczema.

News reports today reveal that the Advertising Standards Authority have banned ads from five tanning companies for making misleading and irresponsible claims about the safety of sunbeds.

Come along to this year's Melanoma Patient Conference & get ready to learn, share, & empower yourself in a supportive & uplifting environment.✨

📆 Thursday 5th & Friday 6th March 2026
📍 Voco St Johns Hotel Solihull, Birmingham, B91 1AT

Secure your spot today 👉 buff.ly/2xJOCbn

#MPC26

We’ve teamed up with Ultra Challenge to give you access to a range of different walks and runs across the UK.

You don’t need to be an elite athlete, these challenges are for EVERYONE, giving you the freedom to take one on at your own pace.

Learn more and register 👉 buff.ly/dwXibaR

The British Dermatological Nursing Group (BDNG) is hosting an award event in May 2026 & they want to hear from you!

If you or a loved one has had exceptional care and treatment from a dermatology nurse, nominate them for The Patient Choice Award. 💙

Nominate: bdng.org.uk/pca/

As we begin a new year, we’re planning our vital melanoma awareness work for 2026.

This year, we would like to work with men who have previously used sunbeds and have since received a melanoma diagnosis.

Contact media@melanomafocus.org to learn more.

#melanomaawareness

📣 Join us for the 10th anniversary of the Melanoma Patient Conference.

📆 Thursday 5th & Friday 6th March 2026
📍 Voco St Johns Hotel Solihull, Birmingham, B91 1AT

This conference is open to melanoma patients & their loved ones. 💙

Register today 👉 buff.ly/nSp5XKG

From exhilarating runs, epic hikes, and daring skydives, we've got fundraising adventures for everyone!🏅

Want to organise your own fundraising event? We are here to support you every step of the way.

Learn more 👉 buff.ly/K1Aibht

#melanoma #2026challenge