What Veteran's Day Means to the MRA Team

In observation of Veteran's Day - November 11 - we asked the MRA team to create short videos explaining what the day means for them and what they want Veterans and other military personnel to know about their risk for melanoma, other skin cancers, and the importance of sun safety. 

According to the latest research, U.S. military personnel are at higher risk of developing melanoma than the general population.¹ Melanoma is also now the fourth most common cancer diagnosed among veterans.² This is likely due to several factors, such as exposure to high levels of UV radiation during military service, lack of access to regular skin screenings, and delayed diagnosis and treatment.

Research also shows that veterans are more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma after it has already progressed to stage 3 or 4, when it is far harder to treat and cure.³ 

Here are some of their responses:

At MRA, we are committed to advancing research and improving outcomes for all people affected by melanoma, including the military and veteran community. We support innovative projects that address the specific needs and challenges of the veteran population, such as developing new therapies, new tools such as artificial intelligence that can help streamline the early diagnoses of skin cancer, and strategies to improve sun safety and prevent skin cancer altogether.