Support for people with melanoma and skin cancer

Skin cancer is the nation’s most commonly diagnosed cancer with Australia having the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world.

Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer

The most common skin cancers are Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC). These skin cancers are commonly referred to as non-melanoma skin cancer. If diagnosed and treated early, regular follow up with a GP or dermatologist will be all that is required. In the case of SCC that has returned or spread to other parts of the body, treatment may need to be provided at a tertiary hospital.

Melanoma

Over 1450 cases of melanoma are diagnosed in Western Australia each year. Melanoma is potentially the most serious type of skin cancer that starts from the pigment cells of the skin (melanocytes). Melanoma can occur anywhere on the skin and may begin as a change in an existing mole or as a new lesion. On rare occasions it can begin in the eye or mucous membranes (lining of the mouth or nasal passages).

If detected early, most melanomas can be successfully treated, and regular follow up with a GP will be all that is required. Unfortunately, it is possible that a melanoma may spread to other parts of the body.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of skin cancer and melanoma is made following a biopsy or excision of the lesion. This is often done by the GP or dermatologist. This tissue will be sent to a pathologist to review and provide a written report on their findings.

Treatment

The initial treatment of all skin cancer and melanoma is surgical excision. Other treatments for SCC include radiation treatment, immunotherapy or chemotherapy.

Other treatments for melanoma include immunotherapy, targeted therapy and may include radiation treatment.

Some people may experience ongoing health care needs and it may become necessary to involve a number of different specialists in their care.

Helping you along your cancer journey

The Melanoma and Skin Cancer Nurse Coordination Service supports patients who are having their treatment in the public hospital system and is a free state-wide service aimed at supporting you and your family through diagnosis and treatment.

Specialist Nurse Coordinators are available to:

• provide and explain information on your diagnosis and treatment
• refer you to other health care professionals where and when appropriate e.g. psychosocial services, physiotherapy and social work
• assist you and your family through treatment in all departments
• coordinate your care to ensure timeliness of appointments and treatments
• act as a central point of contact

Other useful contacts

Cancer Council WA
Tel: 13 11 20
Provides counselling, complementary therapies, support groups and programs, advice, information and resources.

WA Psycho-Oncology Service
Tel: (08) 6457 1177
A clinical psychology service that offers a confidential, free counselling service to patients and families living with cancer.

MelanomaWA
Tel: (08) 9322 1908
A WA-based service that offers support groups and information to patients and families living with melanoma.

SolarisCare
Tel: (08) 6383 3475
Provides counselling and complementary therapies for cancer patients and their families.

Canteen
Tel: 1800 835 932
Information and support services for those aged 12 to 25 years affected by their own or a family member’s cancer.

Useful websites

Cancer Council WA
Web: www.cancerwa.asn.au

Western Australia Kirkbride Melanoma Advisory Service
Web: www.wakmas.org.au

Melanoma Institute Australia
Web: www.melanoma.org.au

Melanoma Patients Australia (MPA)
Web: www.melanomapatients.org.au

Canteen
Web: www.canteen.org.au