Our organisation is proud to contribute to Australia’s Cancer Plan through the national delivery and expansion of our specialist support services, proactive engagement with our patients and the wider community, and participation in targeted melanoma research through strategic partnerships.
Australia’s Cancer Plan (ACP) is a comprehensive, 10-year national strategy (2023–2033) developed by Cancer Australia; it sets a bold national agenda to reduce the burden of cancer and improve outcomes for all Australians. The Cancer Plan’s six strategic priorities are:
Our national programs and support services align with these priorities through initiatives that are evidence-based, inclusive, and impact-focused.
This grant funded by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing helps specialist cancer support organisations like ours to provide expert telehealth services (information, guidance, and support) to people diagnosed with specific types of cancer. For us, that means supporting people affected by melanoma through the Australian Cancer Nursing and Navigation Program.
Melanoma Patients Australia’s role: We are providing an evidence-based telehealth specialist melanoma service offering emotional, educational, and nursing support at no cost to melanoma patients, families and carers—wherever they live. It’s designed to meet the unique needs of individuals across the cancer care pathway, including those treated outside hospital settings, while ensuring culturally safe and equitable access to our services for all Australians.
What does success look like: Success will be reflected in strong, positive feedback from melanoma patients and carers who feel supported, informed, and empowered throughout their melanoma journey. We’ll see a measurable increase in service provision, including more nurse consultations, expanded support group participation, and higher call volumes to our support line and online contacts, demonstrating growing demand and trust in our services. Referrals from regional, rural, and remote communities will rise, showing that barriers to access are being broken down. Finally, our workforce will be better equipped through targeted training, ensuring staff are confident, culturally competent, and responsive to the diverse needs of Australians affected by melanoma.
Melanoma Patients Australia’s ‘Bridging the Great Melanoma Divide’ grant is funded by Cancer Australia as part of the Supporting People with Cancer Grant Program. This program is designed to fund community-based projects that improve the lives of people affected by cancer. Its purpose is to enhance the emotional, practical, and informational support available to patients, carers, families, and communities, especially those facing barriers to care due to geography, culture, or socioeconomic factors. By backing innovative, inclusive, and evidence-informed programs, the initiative helps ensure that all Australians affected by cancer have access to the support they need throughout their journey.
Melanoma Patients Australia’s role: We are identifying and addressing key gaps in patient support through consumer and sector consultation. A needs analysis will guide the development of resources and education, focusing on people from Regional, Rural or Remote Australia.
What does success look like: Success means a robust peer-led support network for people from regional, rural, and remote areas, including phone, virtual and face-to-face support groups. We will also develop and distribute resources that target the specific needs of Regional, Rural, and Remote Australians.
Whether you’re a researcher, clinician, policymaker, service provider or community advocate, we welcome opportunities to connect, engage and collaborate as part of our commitment to the delivery of Australia’s Cancer Plan.
If you have an opportunity or initiative you would like to discuss with us, please contact [email protected]
Melanoma Patients Australia recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Australia, and we acknowledge, respect and embrace their continued connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and emerging.
We recognise, value and celebrate diversity and act in the spirit of inclusion.
