Background
Australia has the highest incidence of melanoma in the world, with one Australian diagnosed every 30 minutes. More than 90% of first incidence primary melanomas are diagnosed by a primary care practitioner or a dermatologist. Research shows that approximately 30% of people diagnosed with melanoma report psychological distress to a clinical level. Moreover, psychological distress is associated with lower quality of life, delayed seeking of medical advice, and a reduced likelihood of patients following up with skin checks and using sun protection, which may result in increased rates of recurrence and ultimately, mortality. In a recent study, over 75% of people with melanoma identify at least one unmet supportive care need. Primary care practitioners and dermatologists are best placed to meet the supportive care needs of patients at the time of melanoma diagnosis.
Aims
The aim of this presentation is to describe common reactions patients experience following a melanoma diagnosis, and to share brief supportive care interventions and melanoma-specific patient-focussed resources available to patients at the time of diagnosis.
Impact on Practice
Following a diagnosis of melanoma, patients can experience a range of emotions such as shock, fear, sadness, disbelief, or any combinations of these. However, approximately 30% of melanoma patients report clinically relevant levels of psychological distress.
Brief supportive care interventions can be delivered by primary care practitioners and dermatologists at the time of melanoma diagnosis to reduce patients’ psychological distress. Such interventions may include provision of melanoma education, brief emotional support, psychoeducation on how to cope with a melanoma diagnosis, guidance to available support groups and helplines, and referral to a psychologist, where appropriate. A range of melanoma-specific patient resources have been developed to support health professionals to provide information pertaining to melanoma diagnosis, treatment, side-effects, and tips for living well with and beyond melanoma. In addition, the Melanoma Institute Australia Melanoma Education Portal provides free access to accredited learning modules, videos and podcasts.
Conclusion
Patients with melanoma would greatly benefit from brief supportive care interventions and melanoma-specific resources provided by their primary care practitioner or dermatologist at the time of their melanoma diagnosis.