Stars sport scars for new Melanoma campaign

Sporting legend Monty Betham, DJ Peter Urlich and TV personality Amber Peebles are among the stars proudly sporting scars this April to raise awareness about melanoma.

The Melanoma Foundation of New Zealand launched the campaign today with 15 stars bearing temporary scar tattoos as a symbol of the killer disease. It is part of a new fundraising drive to get kiwis thinking about the impact of melanoma and to be vigilant in looking out for the signs of the deadly skin cancer.

Monty Betham, one of the scar-bearing celebs, says he is showing his support to help send the message that if you check your skin regularly and catch melanoma early, the best outcome is that you’re left with a scar and nothing more.

”Melanoma is easily preventable and easily treatable if caught early enough. But on the flip side it is the most deadly if left unchecked.

“What struck me is that death rates from melanoma are higher among men and increasing. I’m hoping guys like me will take note and perform some simple checks that could one day save their life.”

Fred Soar, chairman of the Melanoma Foundation of New Zealand, says New Zealand has the highest rate of melanoma in the world.

“Every year nearly 300 New Zealanders lose their lives to melanoma and another 2000 cases are detected.

“Melanoma not only scars those who have been diagnosed but also their families and everyone around them. Using the scar as the visual symbol of this killer disease we aim to greatly increase awareness and understanding to reduce the needless loss of lives every year,” says Fred.

The range of designer removable tattoo scars – the first of their kind – go on sale from April 1st for $2 at BNZ, Hallensteins, Music Works and Les Mills outlets throughout the country.

Proceeds from the month will fund improved support services and information for people diagnosed with melanoma in addition to public awareness campaigns to help prevent the occurrence of melanoma in New Zealand.