MSCAN’s top 10 handy hints after receiving a diagnosis of advanced melanoma or skin cancer

Receiving a diagnosis of advanced (Stage III and Stage IV) melanoma or skin cancer is incredibly difficult. There is no right or wrong way to feel or to deal with it. Through lived experience, the MSCAN team understands the (many) challenges in receiving a diagnosis and then living well after diagnosis.

Here are some handy hints that might help.

1. Draw on your friends and family for support

People will want to help, so be clear about what you need – whether it be help with groceries, a walk, a coffee, helping out around the house, driving you to an appointment, or a long chat. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Remember, it’s also okay If you don’t want to talk about melanoma all the time.

We encourage you to take someone with you to your appointments. It’s a great source of support and comfort to have someone with you.

2. Start with a good General Practitioner (GP)

It can be very helpful to talk to people beyond your family and friends. Your GP will be able to help point you in the right direction and many psychologists will be able to work with you to develop coping strategies. A good GP can look at your health more broadly and can help to clarify information provided by your specialist team. A GP can also help by providing referrals to other health professionals when needed.

3. Be informed / be prepared for appointments

At the time of diagnosis, it can be a whirlwind of appointments. Before, and in between appointments, it can be useful to write down a list of questions to ask your specialists. Be sure to grab your free copy of the Spot On Resource and use the Notes section at the back.

Create a file or folder to keep hard copies of all the important paperwork you receive as you go between appointments.

4. Think about how to get the most out of your appointments

It can be easy to feel overwhelmed with what you’re told during an appointment. Some patients find it helpful to take notes during the appointment, and to write down what they have been told. It’s important to ask your treating team questions, especially if there is something that you’re not clear on. Questions are good!

Clear communication and a successful exchange of information can help you understand the disease better, and the possible steps in your treatment.

5. Think about your mental health

As part of holistic approach, a GP can also help to manage mental wellbeing by referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist through mental health care plan.

A mental health care plan entitles you to Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual and 10 group appointments with some allied mental health services – such as psychologists, occupational therapists and social workers – in a year.

6. Public or private?

In Australia, you can choose whether you want to be treated as a public or private patient. Gather as much Information as you can to help you decide. Your choice will depend on a number of factors, which may include your condition, where you live, which is your closest hospital, and whether you have private health insurance.

But rest assured, whether you’re treated as a private or public patient, you will still receive fantastic health care.

7. Know you have a right for another (or second) opinion

All patients have a right to seek another opinion. It’s your choice whether to seek a second opinion, and this may not necessarily be in your area of even in your state.

8. Consider your financial and legal situation

It’s very common for people to worry about how they will manage financially after a cancer diagnosis, especially if they are the primary income earner for the family. The Cancer Council has an excellent resource that you can download here about Cancer and your finances.

9. Ask your treating team about clinical trials

Clinical trials are an important part of the process in developing new treatments. In Australia, clinical trials are often provided as a treatment option in big teaching (tertiary) hospitals in cities. Your treating team will be able to tell you if a clinical trial is available and if it is a good treatment option for your diagnosis. Participating in a clinical trial may give you the opportunity to be treated with new medicines.

10. Do your research… wisely

While it can be tempting to look up medical information about your condition and treatment on the internet, Dr Google should not be a substitute for your specialists. Rely on sources that you know to be reputable such as official government websites, Cancer Councils and information from the hospital. Ensure you do your due diligence.