11 Essential Questions to Guide Your Advanced Care Planning

Advanced care planning can feel confronting — but it’s also one of the most empowering steps you can take when living with melanoma. It gives you control, clarity, and peace of mind about your future health decisions. At Melanoma Patients Australia, our nursing and support services are here to guide you through every part of that journey, so we’ve prepared a guide for advanced care planning for you.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or managing melanoma long-term, here are some common questions patients ask about advance care planning, along with helpful answers and where to turn for support.

1. What is advanced care planning, and what does it mean for someone living with melanoma?

Advanced care planning (ACP) involves thinking about, discussing, and documenting your preferences for future health and personal care. For people with melanoma, ACP can help ensure your wishes are respected throughout your treatment journey, especially if there comes a time when you can’t speak for yourself.

You don’t need to navigate these decisions alone. Through the Melanoma Nurse Telehealth Service or the National Melanoma Support Line, an MPA melanoma nurse can explain ACP in simple terms and help you tailor it to your situation.

2. When should I start thinking about an Advanced Care Directive? 

Many patients think ACP is only for end of life stages, but it’s useful at any point in your melanoma experience. For melanoma patients, who may face unpredictable changes depending on the stage and treatment, beginning early ensures your voice guides every part of your care and means your decisions are made calmly rather than during a crisis.

3. What documents do I need, and who can help me complete them?

Advanced care planning usually includes:

• An Advanced Care Directive (a document that records your treatment preferences)
• Choosing a substitute decision-maker or enduring guardian
• Recording values or statements about quality of life
• Sharing your wishes with family and your healthcare team

Our melanoma nurses can help you understand which forms apply in your state and how to complete them.

4. How can I make sure my future treatment preferences are respected?

Once completed, your ACP documents should be shared with:

• Your GP
• Your treating melanoma specialists
• Your family or decision-maker
• Anyone involved in your care

Nurses on the National Melanoma Support Line can explain how to store, share, and update your documents so they are accessible when needed.

5. Should I appoint a medical decision maker, and what should I discuss with them?

Appointing a trusted person ensures your voice is heard, even when you can’t speak for yourself. Conversations with your decisionmaker may cover:

• Your values
• Your thoughts on life prolonging treatments
• Scenarios that matter to you (e.g. ICU care, resuscitation)

If you need help preparing for these conversations, our Melanoma Nurse Counsellor service can guide you through the emotional and practical parts.

6. How do I talk to my family about my care preferences without causing distress?

These conversations can be hard and that’s completely normal. Try starting by explaining that ACP is about reducing uncertainty and stress for everyone.

If family dynamics feel complicated, the Melanoma Nurse Counsellor Service provides a safe space to explore concerns, practise the conversation, and build confidence.

7. What if my family disagrees with my decisions?

It’s not uncommon for families to have differing views. AMelanoma Patients Australia nurse counsellor can help you navigate disagreement, while our melanoma Peer Support Groups can offer reassurance from others who’ve managed similar situations.

8. What treatments should be included in my plan?

Your ACP may cover preferences about:

• Immunotherapy or targeted therapy
• Hospital vs home care
• ICU admission
• Resuscitation
• Palliative care options

A nurse through our Telehealth Service can explain what each option involves and help you think through how they align with your values.

9. Can advanced care planning help me feel more in control of my melanoma diagnosis?

Absolutely. Many patients tell us that once they complete their plan, they feel calmer, clearer, and more empowered. An ACP is not about giving up, it’s about making choices on your terms.

10. Are there support groups where I can hear others’ experiences with ACP?

Yes. Many Melanoma Patients Australia Support Groups include discussions on planning ahead, coping strategies, and lived experiences. Hearing from others can help make ACP feel less overwhelming and more normalised.

11. Can a Melanoma Patients Australia nurse help me prepare for advanced care planning?

Our nurses can:

• Answer general questions about Advanced Care Planning
• Support you in understanding where to start
• Help you prepare a list of questions for your specialists
• Guide you on when to update your plan

Need support or have further questions about melanoma advanced care planning?

Advanced care planning is a meaningful step in taking control of your melanoma journey. Wherever you are in the process, just beginning, updating your documents, or supporting a loved one, Melanoma Patients Australia nurses and support services are here to help.

📞 Call the National Melanoma Support Line 1800 884 450
💻 Book a referral for a Melanoma Nurse Telehealth appointment
🧡 Speak with our Melanoma Nurse Counsellor
🤝 Join a Melanoma Patients Australia Support Group

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