Where you live should never determine the support you receive after a melanoma diagnosis. This important message underpinned Melanoma Patients Australia’s participation at the 18th National Rural Health Conference. Melanoma Patients Australia (MPA) proudly exhibited and presented on improving melanoma support for rural, regional and remote communities.
Representing MPA, National Manager Innovation, Evaluation & Impact Claire Kelly and Project Manager Dr Kathy Bond joined sector leaders and healthcare professionals from across Australia to explore solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in rural health. Their presentation highlighted the critical need for equitable access to melanoma resources and supportive care and demonstrated how MPA’s Model of Care is helping improve outcomes for rural and regional communities.
Claire and Kathy presented MPA’s work to enhance melanoma support for rural, regional and remote communities, showcasing the organisation’s commitment to delivering equitable, patient-centred support regardless of postcode.
Melanoma incidence remains higher in rural and regional Australia, where diagnosis often occurs at a more advanced stage and access to specialist services can be limited. These challenges contribute to ongoing disparities in outcomes for people living outside major cities and reinforce the need for innovative models of care that improve access to information, navigation and specialist support.
Importantly, people living in rural and remote areas are recognised as a priority population under the Australian Cancer Plan, reflecting the need to reduce inequities in cancer outcomes and service access.
A key focus of the presentation was the work undertaken through MPA’s national consultation with melanoma patients and health professionals.
In 2024, MPA conducted a survey to better understand the barriers experienced by people affected by melanoma in rural and regional communities. The findings revealed several recurring challenges, including:
These insights became the foundation for tailored resources and multimedia materials designed to strengthen melanoma support for rural, regional and remote communities, including patients and their families.
The conference presentation also highlighted MPA’s transformative Model of Care, launched in 2026 to improve access to specialist supportive care across the melanoma pathway.
The Model of Care aims to:
Through this integrated approach, patients can access specialist telehealth melanoma nurses, nurse counselling services, community support programs and dedicated rural and regional resources.
Specialist melanoma nurses play a central role, providing evidence-based information, care coordination, advocacy, navigation support and psychosocial care. By working closely with local healthcare providers, MPA helps strengthen communication and shared care planning, ensuring patients receive coordinated and person-centred support closer to home.
An important component of the presentation was the impact of the Bridging the Great Melanoma Divide project, funded by Cancer Australia.
The project supported the development of new targeted resources designed to address the unique needs of people affected by melanoma living in rural, regional and remote communities.
These resources are housed within MPA’s dedicated Regional, Rural and Remote Hub, a curated online resource centre that helps patients better understand their diagnosis, treatment options and support pathways, while strengthening connections between local healthcare providers and specialist melanoma services.
The initiative complements MPA’s Model of Care by ensuring people affected by melanoma have access to practical information and support no matter where they live.
Throughout the conference, one message resonated strongly: improving health outcomes in rural Australia requires collaboration.
By working alongside local clinicians, primary healthcare providers, rural health organisations and community services, MPA’s national supportive care model helps ensure patients remain connected to specialist expertise while continuing to receive care within their local communities.
Melanoma Patients Australia remains committed to improving outcomes for people affected by melanoma, regardless of where they live.
Conferences such as the 18th National Rural Health Conference provide an important platform to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships and advocate for innovative approaches that address longstanding inequities in cancer care.
We thank everyone who visited the MPA exhibition booth, attended the presentation and contributed to important discussions about the future of rural health. Together, we can continue to strengthen supportive care pathways, support the regional health workforce and ensure people affected by melanoma receive the care, information and support they need.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, recovering from surgery, managing side effects, or adjusting to life after treatment, support is available.Â
Melanoma Nurses work alongside healthcare teams to ensure patients receive not only expert clinical care but also the emotional, practical, and informational support needed to navigate the challenges of melanoma.Â
If you or a person you care for has been affected by melanoma, consider speaking with your healthcare team about available nursing support or contacting Melanoma Patients Australia to learn more about its free specialist Telehealth Nurse Service.Â
Like this blog? Head to Melanoma Patients Australia News & Events to read more.Â
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.
