Dealing with melanoma is challenging, don’t do it alone – “I discovered Melanoma Patients Australia and the MPA support group which was a lifesaver. We discussed options, cried, and I didn’t feel so alone.”
Support
MPA is an independent, not for profit organisation dedicated to supporting and representing those affected by melanoma. We provide many services to assist people on their journey with melanoma including: counselling, education, peer to peer connections and support groups both online, on the phone and face to face. Our vision is to reduce the impact of melanoma on all Australians.
Melanoma Patients Australia is here to help you. We are committed to providing patient-focused services for all Australians affected by melanoma. We provide information, guidance, support and assistance for family, friends and carers of those affected by melanoma.
The services we provide include:
Free professional counselling to those affected by melanoma.
Providing expert information over the phone, via written materials and at our information forums.
Connections and support via our groups, social media and telephone link ups, enabling those affected by melanoma to share experiences and insights.
MPA provides an independent voice for the more than 12,500 people diagnosed with melanoma each year contributing to national panels and advisory boards.
MPA is committed to working with government, clinicians and industry to improve the lives and outcomes of those affected by melanoma.
Supporting research and clinical trials that offer the best options for melanoma patients.
Level 8, East Wing
Wesley Research Institute
451 Coronation Dve, Auchenflower QLD 4066
For Survivor September, we now introduce Graeme. "A punch biopsy was completed to confirm my melanoma diagnosis. The only time the kids have ever been quiet is when I got that dreaded result!"
Graeme Holland - Melanoma Patients
melanomapatients.org.au
My name is Graeme, I am 48 years old and have a wife Janine and two children Amber (14) and Tom (11) and a fat black Labrador called Rosie.Annabelle is our next person to feature in Survivor September. Click through to read her story. "I have been living the life of a melanoma survivor since I was 25, when my first melanoma was removed".
Annabelle Solomon - Melanoma Patients
melanomapatients.org.au
I am in my seventieth year, having been born 5 November 1947. I’ve done many things during my life, and am proud of most – thankfully! The one achievement I’m most proud of is having brought up ...Thank you Annabelle for such a beautiful sharing of your story. I am also under Dr Carlino however under a target therapy treatment. Your sharing was very insightful and have had some of the same ups and downs. I go to a support group at Melanoma Institute of Australia in North Sydney held on the third Wed of each month. Run by Jay Allen known as the Melanoma Man. Have met so many friends and we all support each other. Hope that I might meet up with you one day. Sending you all my best wishes and good luck with the rest of your treatment.
Thank you Annabelle for sharing your story. I was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 1975 when I was 14yrs old. 56yrs old now, with all clear. Hoping it stays that way! Wishing you all the best with your teatment.
Jo-anne List.xo
Want to know more about Melanoma?
Join us for lunch and hear the latest information about melanoma from the experts. Updates on treatments, strategies for living well will be provided and patient insights will be shared. There will also be plenty of time for questions.
Welcome - Victoria Beedle
The Role Of Surgery - Prof. Mark Smithers
Current Treatment Landscape - Assoc. Prof. Victoria Atkinson
Living Well with Melanoma - Fiona Bennett
Movement for Better Health - Alison Ford
A Personal Experience - Ruth Armes
Q&A - Panel
Brisbane Information Forum
Join us for lunch and hear the latest information about melanoma from the experts. Updates on treatments, strategies for living well will be provided and patient insights will be shared. There will also be plenty of time for questions.
Welcome - Victoria Beedle
The Role Of Surgery - Prof. Mark Smithers
Current Treatment Landscape - Assoc. Prof. Victoria Atkinson
Living Well with Melanoma - Fiona Bennett
Movement for Better Health - Alison Ford
A Personal Experience - Ruth Armes
Q&A - Panel
France Dumke
Keri Jeffries
Invitation for Public Comment by 15th October - Draft Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Melanoma.
MPA would like to share this invitation to comment on the responses prepared for the Draft Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Melanoma. Subjects covered include investigations & follow-up; identification & management of high-risk individuals; total body photography; clinical information for the pathologist; lymphadenectomy; and radiotherapy for distant metastases. Public comment closes on 15th October 2017.
Clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of melanoma - Cancer Guidelines Wiki
wiki.cancer.org.au
Supported by Please see here to access the Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Melanoma in Australia and New Zealand (2008). Note this re...Definitely need this as too many get mis diagnosed or due to not enough training are told it is nothing and not to worry about it.
Just get everything checked , it's not worth the risk
Follow up Is important even when a stage one is removed. If it wasn't for my hubby having a pet scan initially then a follow up ct scan then another pet scan he would not be here with us now. This all happened within 8 months of original diagnosis and removal of a stage one melanoma that we are all told that if you catch it early that 95% of people have no further problems. I've heard of too many people with early diagnosis and removal having it come back again as stage 4.
Thanks for sharing MPA. I would urge people to read and and make comment on these important guidelines as the treatment and management options will directly affect our care. As one of the consumer representatives on the Guidelines Working Party Panel, I can assure people that they highly value our input.
I have had 5 Melanomas surgically removed. Not one of these resembled the ones shown on charts in Doctors surgeries. Also mine have had 5 different appearances, I.e. Not one resembled any of the others. Makes it difficult to diagnose.
Kristen is the next story for Survivor September. "I had my first surgery when I was 32 weeks pregnant. This was one of the hardest surgeries I went through because I was so worried about my unborn baby."
Kristen Pickford - Melanoma Patients
melanomapatients.org.au
I was diagnosed with Melanoma when I was 28 years old and 28 weeks pregnant with Harley. Isabella was nearly 2. I had my hair cut short in preparation of having a newborn baby so it was easy to take c...Continued good health to you Kristen.
Thanks for sharing your story Kristen. You have been through many anxious times and must have been very hard to be in such turmoil when you should have been thinking of having your baby. Your story reflects how lucky we are that there is now some new treatments and trials that are now available. So glad that you are on Keytruda as know that it has been very successful to a lot of patients. Sending you all my best wishes to you and all your family. God bless and hoping that your treatment goes well with little side affects.
So many women get melanoma when pregnant because immune system is suppressed.... Doctors should be aware and for skin checks during pregnancy (or at least advise patients and refer to skin specialist)
Love ya xx
xoxo
Comment on Facebook
Thats fantastic news Graeme, all the best for the next scan we will be waiting to hear the good result, you got lots of camping and running marathons ahead of you yet, you are looking good .Lorna and Des xx
I know the feeling it is a little over 5 years since mine