Advancing melanoma care with patient engagement

Event: Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA) Melanoma Exchange Patient Forum 

Location: Washington, D.C. 

Event date: February 26, 2025 

Impact: The MRA leads the charge against melanoma by funding cutting-edge research to accelerate breakthroughs that improve quality of life and survival. As a global leader in melanoma research funding, they have awarded over $175 million to support more than 500 innovative scientific efforts worldwide since 2007.  

The MRA actively educates patients, fosters collaboration, and strengthens the melanoma community through events like its annual Melanoma Exchange Patient Forum. This forum connects patients, survivors, caregivers, and advocates with leading experts to explore the latest research, build community, and guide confident, informed decision-making. 

Exact Sciences’ involvement: At Exact Sciences, every patient deserves access to the information and tools to help them confidently navigate their melanoma journey. Since melanoma can run in families and is part of our Riskguard^® hereditary cancer test assessment, supporting the Melanoma Exchange Patient Forum allows us to connect with patients and caregivers directly.  

“Individuals diagnosed with cancer face so many unknowns and are left with scores of questions,” says Brandie Leach, senior director of medical affairs for hereditary cancer at Exact Sciences. “The Melanoma Exchange Patient Forum provided a welcoming, open opportunity for patients and caregivers to seek answers to their questions. MRA’s commitment to this event highlights that the patient is a central part of their organization.” 

By better understanding patients’ questions and concerns, we can help raise awareness about hereditary risk and the role genetic testing can play in early detection and personalized care.