Complementary therapies are types of therapies not scientifically proven but accepted as ways that may help treat a certain condition.
Alternative therapies are used in place of conventional therapies and the risks may be unknown. You should always consult your treating clinician when considering complementary and/or alternative therapies.
The following complementary therapies are examples that can be used in combination with conventional medicine for those with melanoma.
To maintain energy levels and enhance your immune system it is important to have a nutritionally balanced diet. This should include fresh fruit and vegetables, healthy carbohydrates that are low in fats and sugar (bread, pasta, rice, cereals) and protein (lean meat, eggs, milk, beans/lentils). Alcohol and caffeine should be kept to a minimum. Discussing your diet with a dietitian may be helpful.
Dietitians Association of Australia www.daa.asn.au
Exercise can have a positive impact on your mood and wellbeing but you should be active at a level that is comfortable for you. Even small amounts of activity may make you feel better and improve your sleep.
Evidence shows that physical activity can be effective in lifting low mood, improving sleep, lowering blood pressure and reducing stress.
Discussing your physical activity with a physiotherapist may be helpful.
Australian Physiotherapy Association www.physiotherapy.asn.au
Fatigue is commonly experienced by people with melanoma and can be a side effect of melanoma treatments. It is important to allow yourself adequate time to rest and recuperate. To manage excessive fatigue you should talk with your treating clinician.
Research has shown that relaxation and mindfulness techniques can counter the harmful physical effects of stress. Methods to elicit deep relaxation include guided imagery, visualisation, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, massage, breathing techniques, yoga, Tai Chi and prayer.
Ensuring a healthy mind and spirit are important and self-care is essential, especially when dealing with the stress of melanoma. Self-care is any activity that helps you maintain your physical, mental or emotional health and is best when practised routinely.
Connecting with communities of faith or accessing local counsellors may also help in anxiety and stress reduction as well as enabling avenues to discuss difficult and often avoided issues such as the meaning of life, death and dying.
“By having a short walk outside each day I feel better in myself and have noticed that I am less stressed and sleeping better at night.” – Chris
MYTH EXPOSED: You may feel or think you look healthier with a tan but tanning causes irreparable damage to your skin cells and DNA. In response to UV damage, skin cells produce melanin to protect themselves. This is what darkens the skin and produces the tan.
It also leads to premature ageing and can lead to the development of melanoma. We know that sunburns will increase the likelihood of developing melanoma.
There’s nothing healthy about trying to get a tan.
Best advice, the tan won't make you look any better when your dead. Just get checked!!
Sign and share my petition if you’d like to see skin checks mandatory and then ongoing screening for skin cancer for young Australians from the age of 17-18. chng.it/DK2XJtQx
Congratulations to Jay Allen, melanoma survivor and Melanoma Patients Australia Sydney Support Group leader on being awarded an OAM in the Australia Day honours today for "Service to People Living with Melanoma".
A fitting and well deserved recognition for a dynamic and passionate advocate who has led from the front and helped so many here and overseas.
Full citation: honours.pmc.gov.au/honours/awards/2007934
Congratulations jay. Thank you for all you do. An inspiration!
Congratulations Jay ! 👏👏👏
👏👏👏👏 congratulations!
Well deserved
Congratulations Jay, well deserved mate, thank you and keep up the good work. :D
Congratulations Jay!!!!Well deserved and thank you for helping and for all your hard work👏
Congratulations Jay Allen ! So well deserved ♥️
Congratulations Jay keep up the great work 💪🏼
Thank you so much!! ❤️🙏🏻
Congratulations Jay! Very well deserved.
So deserved mate. congratulations❤️
Your were already a winner by your dedication and suvivor of such a incidious disease. Best message ever "Just get checked". Thank you for all that you do.
Well deserved Jay, Congratulations...🤗
Congratulations Jay so very well deserved 🙂🙏
Congratulations Jay
Brilliant recipient.congratulations Jay 👌
Legend 💪❤️
Congratulations 👏
Congratulations!!!!!
Bravo 👏
👏👏👏
Three cheers Jay!
Well deserved!!!
REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW OPEN for the WA Melanoma Community Forum!
WA melanoma patients, family, friends and the wider community are all invited to attend this informative and supportive evening event.
Medical specialists will provide insights into the latest developments in melanoma research, treatment and support.
The melanomaWA 'Champions of Melanoma' awards will also be presented, recognising people and organisations whose valuable commitment has had a significant impact on the lives of melanoma patients in our community.
An early evening dinner and refreshments will be served.
Where: Cancer Wellness Centre, 80 Railway Street, Cottesloe 6011.
When: Thursday 25 February 2021 from 4.00pm to 7.00pm.
Registration is free, yet essential. Places are limited, so please register now via this link: bit.ly/MelanomaWAForum
Any questions, please phone (08) 9322 1908 or email wa@melanoma.org.au.
MYTH EXPOSED: There is no evidence to indicate that sunscreens are toxic or cause long term damage to the skin. There are chemical based sunscreens and mineral (zinc) based sunscreens. You have the choice to use the latter which is equally effective as a means of sun protection. Both are widely available and TGA approved.
Read the compelling and very brave story of Bronwyn Abbott who at first was thought to be having a suspected stroke. Following neurosurgery, she was shocked to discover melanoma had metastasised to her brain.
Here is Bronwyn's amazing story of hope here...
Bronwyn Abbott - Melanoma Patients
melanomapatients.org.au
My name is Bronwyn Abbott and I’m 53 years old from Melbourne. My wonderful husband and I have been married for nearly 30 years and we have two sons 2 sons, aged 26 and 28.
What a fantastic story Bronwyn! Although that must have been scary though at the time of your diagnosis. You sound like an amazing, tough woman- all the best! X
Keep up the good work Bronwyn 🙌 as you said you got this 🙌
❤️
Fantastic story Bronwyn. 14 months ago I was stage 4 with brain Mets. Thanks to the remarkable people at MIA I'm still here and clear. I'm all for these stories of hope and that it's not the end of the world. As most of us know, treatment is not easy, but it sure beats the alternative. Best wishes to you and all the are fighting this horrible disease. Peace and love, Ray
