The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF)

Background Founded in 1996, the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is the largest independent organization devoted to melanoma (MRF, 2015). MRF continues their vision and mission, to make a difference in the lives of others, by supporting medical research leading to effective treatments and a cure for melanoma, educating the public and physicians about the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of melanoma, and as an advocate in raising awareness of melanoma and the need for a cure (MRF, 2015). MRF volunteers are critical to the success of, and steering the efforts of the organization (MRF, 2015). The foundation offers a variety of ways for communities to become messengers, advocates, certified melanoma educators, hosts of special events, …show more content…
In addition 90% of melanoma is caused by U.V. radiation from the sun and artificial means, and melanoma has become a global issue (MRF, 2015). The dissemination of educational information on awareness and prevention of melanoma in a global environment, meets many challenges. Targeting a diverse audience in the development of an effective health communication campaign focused on awareness and prevention, can be aided from theory and following the integrative model of behavioral prediction (Fishbein and Yjzer, 2003). This theory focuses on “changing beliefs about consequences, normative issues, and efficacy with respect to a particular behavior” (Fishbein and Yjzer, 2003). Changing beliefs and steering a targeted audience toward behavior changes, which result in making healthier choices, is the ultimate goal of a health communication campaign focused on awareness and prevention. The State of Minnesota is in strong need of a health communication campaign concerning awareness and prevention of melanoma, as it has been recognized by the CDC to be #4 out of the top ten states with the highest rates of skin cancer (Morin, …show more content…
al, 2012).. They recommend close monitoring, and label, this population a high-risk (Brewer, et. al, 2012). Skin cancer screenings, (free SPOT me) resourced through MRF, currently show no screenings available in Minnesota. Likewise, MRF has a valuable program, “Mark the Spot,” in which MRF partners with, and trains stylists from salons, to keep their eye out for unusual spots on a client’s scalp, head and ears, (places which are difficult for a self-examination), and encourage the stylist to privately and discreetly mention the spot to the client and suggest they see a dermatologist (MRF, 2015). As hair salons are a great channel for reaching both women and men, there are no participants in this program, from the state of Minnesota