Local firefighter Kat Dunell is spearheading Geelong’s Melanoma March in memory of her husband Brett, who died late last year after a years-long struggle with melanoma.
The Melanoma Institute Australia’s (MIA) Melanoma March will take place on Saturday, March 25 at Geelong Play Space at Eastern Park Reserve.
Kat and her three young children watched their husband and father deal with a stage IV melanoma for the past seven years before he died shortly after Christmas last year.
After having a lump on his scalp diagnosed as melanoma in 2016, Brett was able to manage life well for five years despite the raft of surgical procedures and severe side effects he endured.
However, in 2021 a routine scan revealed the cancer had spread to his spine and lungs, changing everything for the family.
“Brett’s illness was very tough on our marriage, and he was not himself in the year prior to his death,” Kat said.
“But, we were very lucky because I had access to psychologists and wellbeing programs through the fire service.
“Brett also struggled with the idea of not being around for the kids to watch them grow up.
“With the support of a psychologist, Brett was able to learn how to let go of those feelings to focus instead on what he could do with kids in the time he had left, and I think that really helped his mindset.”
The Melanoma March campaign, now in its 12th year, aims to raise $1 million for Australia’s first clinical trial on treating fear of cancer recurrence, focusing on identifying and supporting advanced melanoma patients experiencing fear and anxiety.
MIA chief executive Matthew Browne said the trial would ensure the emotional needs of cancer patients are recognised and addressed as part of their routine clinical care.
“Supportive care is one of the top five priorities identified in the landmark State of the Nation Report into Melanoma,” Mr Browne said.
“Some 40% of patients reported experiencing anxiety around their diagnosis and treatment, with one in two also reporting that anxiety and depression were not identified in routine clinical practice which was a barrier to them accessing support services.”
Australia has the highest melanoma rates in the world and is the most common cancer affecting people aged 20-39 years.
The 2023 campaign also seeks to stop the glamorisation of tanning, urging Australians to consider their health first.
“Together we can tackle Australia’s tanning culture,” Mr Browne said.
“We really need to change the narrative around tanning. Brett’s cancer was 100% preventable. Had he done something when he first noticed this thing on his head, then maybe there would have been a different outcome.
“For a man who could physically do anything; it was just awful to see him in this position.”
To register or donate to Melanoma March, go to geelong.melanomamarch.org.au.
