Melanoma & Skin Cancer Nurses Organisation (MSCNO)
The Melanoma & Skin Cancer Nurses Organisation (MSCNO) is an independent, national, nurse-led group that has been established to share and exchange expert knowledge with other nurses.
This group of extraordinary healthcare professionals consists of clinical nurse consultants and specialist nurses based in Australia’s leading hospitals for melanoma and skin cancer care. Together, they support hundreds of patients through their melanoma and skin cancer journey each year.
The MSCNO is focused on supporting health care delivery to ensure optimal patient care and outcomes for Australians diagnosed with melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer.
Specialist knowledge and years of experience
Patient education
Psychological support
Clinical support
Survivorship planning
The MSCNO, established in 2020, comprises a national steering committee who work with key stakeholders to develop educational resources for nurses nationally, to build knowledge and an understanding of the complex treatment landscape.
Evidence from around the world shows that nurses are at the frontline of patient care. They are uniquely placed to provide support for patients at a crucial time in their lives. Patients around the country are grateful for their support.
“I can’t imagine going through my cancer journey without the care and support provided by my melanoma nurse. She was there for me through all the challenges”.
— melanoma patient, 35yo
The Inaugural Summit for the Melanoma & Skin Cancer Nurses Organisation
The Inaugural Summit for the Melanoma & Skin Cancer Nurses Organisation (MSCNO) in March 2023 was officially opened by the Hon. Ged Kearney MP, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care.
The Assistant Minister also launched the Report “Connecting Nurses to Nurses: A model for best practice care of skin cancer in Australia”.
Connecting Nurses to Nurses
MSCAN commissioned Evohealth to explore opportunities for a nurse-to-nurse Model for skin cancer care.
Under a nurse-to-nurse model, melanoma and skin cancer nurses can support each other to build expertise in skin cancer care and support. The overarching vision is to ensure that every skin cancer patient who needs it in Australia can access targeted and specialised nurse-led support across all stages of their skin cancer journey – through GP clinics, dermatology practices and in hospitals.
“A nurse-to-nurse model presents an enormous opportunity to improve patient experience and nurture the critical nursing workforce in Australia. It will create a defined career pathway and scope for melanoma and skin cancer nurses, increase access to specialty trained nurses and result in better patient outcomes and reduced burden on the health system”.
Page 3: Connecting Nurses to Nurses
The Melanoma & Skin Cancer Nurses Organisation
The MSCNO is focused on delivering information, resources and education by nurses to nurses. MSCNO’s goal is to reach all nurses working in skin cancer in Australia.
Contact MSCNO
Get in touch with the Melanoma & Skin Cancer Nurses Organisation
Register for Nurse Education
Are you a nurse or health care worker interested in expanding your knowledge in skin cancer and melanoma?
Request Patient Resources
Printed resources are available for melanoma and skin cancer nurses and health professionals.