Local melanoma survivor to help lift lid on killer disease
PORT DOUGLAS
A LOCAL melanoma survivor believes people are still not getting the connection between the sun, it burning you ‘and you dying’.
Whyanbeel resident Sarah Renahan will spearhead a Melanoma March on Four Mile Beach later this month in a bid to raise awareness about a disease that is affecting more people in Far North Queensland than anywhere in Australia.
Research by the Cancer Council shows that melanoma is the second most common cancer diagnosed in the tropical north, a massive 30 per cent above the national average.
“Melanoma kills more young Australians than any other cancer, no one thinks it will happen to them," Sarah said.
The young mum was given nine months to live in 2015 after being diagnosed with a stage five melanoma. Miraculously, she beat off the disease and has remained clear for two-and-a-half years.
She will join thousands of people around the country on March 25 for the annual Melanoma March, and hopes the Port Douglas event will be widely supported.
“The March is important; it raises huge awareness for skin cancer,” Sarah said.
“This is a big issue for the community and we want everyone to know about it.”
The march will depart from Julan Park at 8am in Port Douglas. Those wishing to take part are asked to register online here. There will also be registration forms available on the day.
Breakfast and family entertainment will follow at the Port Douglas Surf Club.
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