Why this research matters? 
Melanoma is one of the most common and preventable cancers in Australia, yet it continues to cause over 1,300 deaths each year and places a heavy burden on the healthcare system. Early detection saves lives, but current screening largely depends on individuals noticing changes themselves or visiting a doctor by chance. This study is exploring how polygenic risk scores (PRS), which combine information from many common genetic variants, can help identify people at higher risk of developing melanoma. When combined with clinical and lifestyle factors, PRS could support more personalised prevention and early detection strategies. By targeting those most at risk, this approach could improve health outcomes, reduce unnecessary procedures, and ease pressure on limited healthcare resources.

Study aims  

This study aims to understand how people perceive and respond to genetic risk information for melanoma. We are evaluating the acceptability, usefulness, and impact of providing integrated risk scores to individuals across different melanoma risk groups. Our goal is to identify how genetic information can best support prevention, early detection, and informed decision-making.

What we have achieved so far 

We are in the early stages of this study, with ethics submission currently underway. Stay tuned for updates as the project progresses!

What’s next? Future research areas  

·         Begin saliva sample collection via ACEMID sites across Australia.

·         Analyse samples and return results to participants.

·         Disseminate surveys to assess responses to integrated risk information.

·         Conduct interviews with some participants to explore experiences of receiving integrated and/or familial risk information.

Staying up to date  

If you’re interested in learning more about this research or getting involved, please contact us via email (preferred) or phone.  

📩 igmgenomics@uq.edu.au

Who is working on this study?  

·         Lucy Burbury

·         A/Prof Aideen McInerney-Leo

How is this study funded?  

This research is funded by a Partnership Project Funding scheme through the National Health and Medical Research Council.