Raising awareness for the prevention of melanoma.
Welcome to Emilys Foundation
The foundation is dedicated to our daughter Emily and everyone who is touched by melanoma.
We are a non-for-profit organisation that educates Australians in the prevention and early detection of Skin Cancer, especially melanoma. We aim to reach as many people as possible through direct or media contact to encourage the use of sun protection and the importance of early detection of this insidious disease.
Since losing our daughter to melanoma in 2006, the foundation has worked tirelessly to promote awareness, early detection and prevention at numerous outdoor and sporting events. Our signature event MARCH for MELANOMA started in 2007 to be a bookend to summer. This event supports melanoma survivors also gives family and friends the opportunity to remember loved ones taken by this deadly cancer and at the same time promotes awareness.
PREPARE YOUR SKIN FOR SUMMER
Summer is approaching and this generally means more wear and tear on our skin as we shed our cardigans and coats for singlets and t-shirts. So, what can we do to give our skin a boost before the summer season? Eat!
Foods with healing properties, ranging from vitamins and minerals to fatty acids and antioxidants, are a great way to promote healing and improve our skin without lathering on expensive creams.
- Green Tea is rich in antioxidants that reduce inflammation and protect cell membranes. It has been proven to reduce the damage of sunburns and overexposure to ultraviolet light, which in turn reduces the risk of skin cancer. Green tea is also high in polyphenols compounds that eliminate cancer-causing free radicals. Green tea is also high in vitamins C, D and K, as well as riboflavin, zinc, calcium, magnesium and iron.
- Salmon along with other fatty fish, walnuts and flaxseed is high in healthy fatty acids that are key for achieving healthy skin. Essential fatty acids such as omega-3s help keep cell membranes healthy by keeping out harmful substances as well as allowing nutrients to enter cells and exit with waste products. Omega-3s also reduce the body's production of inflammatory agents that can damage the skin. Increasing consumption of omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods such as salmon will help keep the skin supple and youthful.
- Blueberries are considered by many experts to be the highest food source of antioxidants, which target free radicals that can wreak havoc on skin cells. The antioxidants and phytochemicals (plant sources of nutrition) in blueberries neutralize DNA-damaging free radicals, reducing cell damage. When skin cells are protected from damage and disintegration, the skin looks younger for longer. Blueberries are also an excellent source of soluble and insoluble fiber, vitamin C, manganese, vitamin E and riboflavin.
- Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which is a required nutrient for healthy skin. They also contain high levels of antioxidants, which prevent free radical damage of skin cells. Vitamin A is required for developing and maintaining skin cells, and a deficiency of the vitamin can cause dry skin. Carrots are also a superior source of fiber, biotin, vitamins K, C and B6, potassium and thiamine.
- Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of the fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin E. Vitamin E has been shown to prevent cell damage from free radicals.
- Water - Drinking plenty of water at least your individual minimum intake will help keep your skin young and healthy looking. Water in caffeinated or sugary beverages does not count; water intake must be from pure, clean water, which rejuvenates skin cells. Water both hydrates cells and helps them move toxins out and nutrients in. When the body is properly hydrated, it sweats more efficiently, which helps keep the skin clean and clear.
"The skin is considered the outside indicator of inside health"
10 MYTHS ABOUT SUN PROTECTION
Founded by a group of 38 leading dermatologists in 1987. The foundation is a not-for-profit clinic which provides specialist treatment for a wide variety of skin diseases with an overall aim of skin health led by dermatologists that specialise in treatment, education and research.
Ride4aCure Horses of Hope
Promoting awareness in schools, supporting research at Peter Mac
Jay Allen - My Melanoma Journey
i ski for Tommy
Thomas Lewis Mathias was an extremely talented young man and winter athlete. He tragically died of melanoma on the 6th January, 2009. He was 23 y.o.
Clinton Heal - Founder of Melanoma WA
* Clinical Trials * Support Groups * The Poche Centre.
Dedicated to awareness and education in Brisbane, Queensland
The Warwick Foundation- In my shoes
Supporting young adults with Cancer in Australia
Promoting SUN SAFE practices in the workplace.
LATEST MELANOMA NEWSNew drugs give hope to melanoma patients: Melanoma skin cancer patients have been offered hope with the release of a study that shows breakthrough immunotherapy drugs could prolong survival for up to 10 years. Experts say a new generation of drugs that aim to trigger the immune system to fight cancer could provide an effective treatment for advanced melanoma. Find out more Building bridges to Conquer Cancer: The progress that has been made with melanoma In the past seven years since Emily's death has been very encouraging. There is still more work that lies ahead and we hope that in the not to distant future we will reach the day when no one suffers or dies from melanoma. Read more from MRA report SUN EFFECTS BOOTH app This app shows how your current behaviour in the sun can damage your face in the future. By downloading the app, you will see the potential aging and damage done to your skin.Read more
CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS OF MELANOMA Melanoma and other skin cancers generally develop because of too much exposure to UV radiation. Each time unprotected skin is exposed to the sun's UV radiation or other sources of UV radiation, such as solarium's, changes take place in the structure of the cells. Too much UV radiation causes the skin to become permanently damaged. The damage increases with each exposure. Repeated bouts of sunburn, particularly during childhood, greatly increase the chance of getting melanoma. UNDERSTANDING SKIN CANCER What are Sunspots? Sunspots (solar keratoses, actinic keratoses) are premalignant skin lesions ie. may turn into skin cancer at a later time. They are caused by excessive long-term sun exposure. They are seen as relatively flat, scaly, and often red areas on sun-exposed skin. The sun exposure causing your sunspots may have occurred many years prior to their appearance. You don't need to have recent sun exposure to get sun spots! Why do they need treatment? While sunspots are not cancerous they can turn into skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma). While the potential for a single sunspot to turn cancerous is low, the more you have the more likely you are to get skin cancer. Once skin cancer has arisen from a sunspot the lesion usually requires surgical excision. How are they treated? The treatment involves only superficial destructive procedures. The most common treatment is cryotherapy. This therapy involves liquid nitrogen freezing which results in destruction of the top layer of your skin - the epidermis. There are also some creams which are effective in removing sunspots. |
Melanoma Awareness
Prevention
Melanoma Risk Calculator
Using this calculator, you can calculate your risk of developing melanoma within the next 5 years. Versions of the same calculator have been developed for health professionals and the general public.
SUN PROTECTION fashion top
Check out this new SUN PROTECTIVE fashion shrug, made of pure merino wool with 45+UV protection.
Order direct from www.sha-de.com
SPONSORS
Supporting Melanoma and Skin Cancer
2013
