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According to the National Cancer Institute, there were 91,270 new cases of melanoma diagnosed in the U.S. during 2018. Melanoma cases have been increasing steadily over the last 40 years. It is the fifth most common type of cancer in the United States, representing 5.3% of all new cancer diagnoses every year. Melanoma is of particular interest to the U.S. military because active duty Service members spend prolonged periods outside, especially during deployment. Recent studies suggests that exposure to high levels of solar radiation in young adulthood is associated with a higher risk of melanoma mortality. Melanoma diagnoses are increasing among active duty Service with the greatest incidence rates in the Air Force, Navy, and the Marines. Given the extreme and harsh conditions Service members face in theater and the rise of this aggressive and frequently deadly form of cancer, the U.S. Congress established the Melanoma Research Program (MRP) in the Department of Defense appropriation with an appropriation of $10 million. With this new program, MRP will invest in research focusing on the prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of melanoma for the benefit of Service members, Veterans, their families, and the American public. In the inaugural year, the MRP sets forth a Challenge for the research and clinical community to change the approach to melanoma prevention, treatment, and long term care.

Resources for Investigators:

• FY24 MRP Funding Overview
• FY24 MRP Funding Opportunity FAQ
• FY19 Melanoma Research Program Stakeholders Meeting Summary
• FY21 Melanoma Research Program Landscape

References:

Lea, C.S., et al.  (2014) Melanoma Incidence Rates in Active Duty Military Personnel Compared With a Population-Based Registry in the United States, 2000-2007. Military Medicine 179, 3:247-253.

Riemenshneider, M.D., et al. (2018) Skin Cancer In The Military: A Systematic Review Of Melanoma And Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Incidence, Prevention, And Screening Among Active Duty And Veteran personnel. JAAD 78, 6:1185-1192.