About ACRF ACEMID

Despite sun safety messages, melanoma rates are growing in Australia, with the deadly disease killing more Australians each year than road accidents. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer because if it isn’t detected early, it can spread to other organs. For that reason, early diagnosis is key to survival. While an individual with Stage 1 melanoma has a 99% chance of surviving longer than 5 years, that figure drops dramatically if the cancer spreads. Individuals with Stage 4 melanoma have just a 20% chance of surviving longer than 5 years.

The ACRF Australian Centre of Excellence in Melanoma Imaging and Diagnosis aims to reduce the annual melanoma death toll by using sophisticated 3D imaging systems to produce whole-body scans that can be monitored over time. These scans create patient ‘avatars’, enabling melanoma to be detected earlier. Within 3 years, the project database of 100,000 avatars
will be the largest in the world. The roll-out of 15 imaging systems will allow specialist doctors to view a patient’s scans from any location, helping patients in rural and remote areas who may not have access to specialist care.