MSCAN understands that receiving a diagnosis of any type of skin cancer is really hard.
Looking after our mental health and emotional wellbeing is just as important as looking after our physical health. It can be an emotional rollercoaster with ups and downs throughout diagnosis, treatment and beyond.
Mental health is sometimes overlooked, particularly in the early days and weeks after a diagnosis.
Finding a ‘new normal’ after a cancer diagnosis can be difficult, and no two people experience a diagnosis the same way.
MSCAN has sought advice from experts who have some helpful advice on how we can take an active role looking after our mental health.
Looking after your mental health and emotional wellbeing
Blog
Looking after your mental health at the time of diagnosis can be a real challenge.
What they don’t tell you when you are first diagnosed with cancer
Blog
Pauline shares her very candid story, and shares the many things they don’t tell you when you get cancer
Eating well while going through treatment
Blog
Eating well is not always easy, and eating well during treatment for melanoma can be hard.
Exercise after a melanoma or skin cancer diagnosis
Blog
Exercise is an important part of living well after a diagnosis as it can support both your physical and mental health
Handy hints for those recently diagnosed with advanced melanoma or skin cancer
Blog
MSCAN’s top 10 handy hints after receiving a diagnosis of advanced melanoma or skin cancer
The Square Breathing technique
Blog
Try the Square Breathing technique to help settle your nervous system
The fear of cancer recurrence
Blog
‘Scanxiety’ is real and the feelings of worry that your cancer might return or progress to other parts of your body
The role of the carer
Blog
Most people who receive a serious melanoma diagnosis choose to have a carer, or network of carers.
Coping with a skin cancer diagnosis
Podcast
Dr. Eleanor De Ath-Miller is a registered psychologist with a Doctoral degree in clinical neuropsychology. The podcast covers evidence-based health and wellbeing.
Living well after a cancer diagnosis
Podcast
Dr Maria Ftanou is the Director of Psychosocial Oncology at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne.
Spot on Resource – Advanced Melanoma
Resource
With the help of experts around Australia, MSCAN have developed the Spot on Resource – a helpful guide for people with an advanced melanoma diagnosis, their families and friends.