And there’s no question about its lethality - melanoma kills one Australian every six hours, according to the Melanoma Institute Australia.
Putting funds towards researching treatment is one of the ways to reduce cancer’s impact.
But battling the disease is often a lonely journey, and another aspect of cancer that organiser Julie Cameron said the Melanoma March, returning to Cobram - Barooga this month, aims to tackle.
“It’s a time to acknowledge those who are still fighting, and we think it’s important that everyone gets involved,” she said.
“And I think it’s good for the community to come together and remember people they’ve lost.”
Early detection is key, she said, and encouraged everyone to get themselves checked.
“If you can save one person, as they say, it’s something,” she said.
Melanoma Institute Australia CEO Matthew Browne said this year is the institute’s biggest Melanoma March campaign yet, with 28 events spanning the country.
“It is heart-warming to see Australian communities joining together in the fight against this disease,” said Mr Browne.
This year, there’ll be freshly cooked egg and bacon rolls up for grabs, alongside warm and cold drinks by Rebecca at the Odesi Collective coffee van.
Attendees can purchase tickets ($5 each or three for $10) for a raffle, whose main prize is a set of rose gold diamond earrings valued at $2000, donated by Yarrawonga Showcase Jewellers.
The Melanoma March will take place at Kennedy Park, Thompsons Beach, on Sunday, March 23, with attendees asked to arrive at 8am for an 8.30am start.
Children under five walk for free, while registration is $20 for children (aged five to 17) and $40 for adults.
All money raised goes to cancer research through the Melanoma Institute Australia.
Register to participate in the march via tinyurl.com/jmtsn5jt
If you would like to support the event by helping out on the day, call Julie Cameron on 0403 314 681.
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