Whether you’re navigating diagnosis, treatment, recovery, or survivorship, we understand the unique challenges that come with living in rural, regional and remote areas.
Our specialist support services are NATIONAL and FREE to access for anyone affected by melanoma. You can contact our melanoma specialist nurses, nurse counsellor or peer support services by calling our National Melanoma Support Line on 1300 884 450 Monday to Friday during business hours or you can complete our online referral form any time and we will contact you.
“Regional areas come with a whole lot of restraints and challenges.”
Paul, Rural WA
In rural and remote communities, access to melanoma care can be limited, but prevention and early detection can make all the difference. This section is devoted to empowering you with practical steps to reduce your melanoma risk and recognise warning signs early, when treatment is most effective.
Life in rural and remote areas can often mean spending long hours outdoors for many people, whether for work, recreation or simply enjoying your surrounds. But with increased time outdoors comes increased exposure to harmful UV rays.
Being Sun Safe is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of skin cancer. From protective clothing to smart sunscreen habits, small changes can make a big difference.
You can find out more information about being sun safe through these MPA resources:
Visit our Prevention and Skin Protection webpage to read more about sun safety. https://melanomapatients.org.au/preventing-melanoma/prevention/
This video from MPA and MIA breaks down the essentials of sunscreen: how it works, how to apply it properly and why it’s one of the simplest, most powerful tools for protecting your skin.
However, sunscreen is not the only line of defence.
Learn more about sun protection in another Melanoma Patients Australia and Melanoma Institute Australia Webinar.
Explore these trusted resources to learn more tips on being Sun Safe:
5 S’s of Sun Safety – Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek & Slide | Cancer Council | Cancer Council
Quiz: How SunSmart are you? | Cancer Council
Check the UV with the free SunSmart App | Save your skin | Cancer Council
It is important to regularly undertake self-skin examinations in addition to professional skin checks under the care and management of a healthcare professional.
Keeping an eye on your own skin is one of the best ways to catch melanoma early, which can make all the difference. Think of it as a quick routine that could help protect your health for years to come. The most important things to look for are any changes, including existing and new moles that appear on your skin.
Skin Cancer College Australasia have developed a helpful tool to know what to look for when you check your skin – SCAN™. Scan your skin and check for any spots that are:
Sore – A spot which is sore (scaly, itchy, bleeding, tender) and doesn’t heal within 6 weeks.
Changing – Changing in size, shape, colour or texture.
Abnormal – Looks different, feels different or stands out when compared to your other spots and moles.
New – Has appeared on your skin recently. Any new moles or spots should be checked by a doctor, especially if you are over 40.
The SCAN your skin website is a great place to get more information.
Dr Scott Temple, a GP, talks specifically about skin cancer and the importance of self-skin checks in regional and rural Australia.
This practical video takes you through how to conduct your own skin check.
A guide to your monthly skin self-exam
You can also visit our Early Detection webpage to read more. https://melanomapatients.org.au/preventing-melanoma/early-detection/
Early detection is key as most melanomas can be treated successfully when caught early. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to get it checked than to wait. First try to see your GP, however that is sometimes easier said than done in a rural area.
If you can’t get a timely appointment with your GP, DON’T WAIT. Ask if your health clinic offers telehealth dermatology, where you consult a specialist remotely, either through a video or phone call or by sending photos, and receive expert advice without needing an in‑person visit. Some pharmacies offer a skin screening service or can help connect you with a specialist.
You may also be able to find a dermatologist using the Australasian College of Dermatologists Find a Dermatologist or a general practitioner with a special interest in skin cancer the Skin Cancer College Australasia Locate a Doctor tools.
“When you have to travel [for treatment] and stay over in the city because of appointment times it becomes quite expensive.”
Sue, Rural QLD
If you live rurally, it is very likely you will need to travel for appointments throughout your melanoma journey. There are some financial and other support resources that may be available to you to help you with this.
The Patient Assisted Travel Schemes (PATS) are an important element of providing equitable access to essential health services for people in rural, regional and remote Australia. These programs are state run, and the eligibility criteria and processes vary between states. You can find out more information about PATS from the National Rural Health Alliance or talk to your GP
Your state’s Cancer Council may have accommodation available or you can ask your medical team if it is possible to have a referral to a social worker within your treating hospital who may be able to provide a list of recommended accommodation facilities. Some hospitals may also have patient transport coordinators who may be able to assist.
Angel Flight is a not-for-profit organisation that coordinates free flights for people living in rural and remote areas of Australia who need to access specialist medical treatment in major cities. Please visit their website to determine your eligibility and to learn more.
Talk to your GP or the Cancer Council for more information. Also our National Melanoma Specialist Support Service Team can also assist with providing guidance to you about the services available in your area. Call 1300 884 450 Monday to Friday during business hours or you can complete our online referral form any time, and we will contact you.
Given you may have to travel for treatment it is important to be organised. Our patient guide for doctor’s appointments will help you prepare beforehand and consider the questions you may want to ask during your visit. Patient Guide: What to Ask Your Specialist
Our patient guides provide clear, practical information to support you through every stage of your melanoma journey.
Patient Guide: Getting Support Diagnosis
Melanoma Patients Australia also have peer support groups that run online and face-to-face in some regional areas, you can register here for more information.
A Cancer Care Coordinator is a health professional who coordinates your care by liaising with the other health professionals involved in your treatment. They support you and your family throughout your cancer experience. They are often clinical nurse consultants or clinical nurse specialists with advanced expertise in oncology. If you do not currently have a care coordinator, ask one of our Melanoma Specialist Nurses (call 1300 884 450) or your treatment team about this.
“Care coordinators have been a revelation to me as a stage IV melanoma patient. They have made my journey so much easier at a time when life has been very hard indeed. My coordinators have made appointments for me, obtained blood or pathology results as soon as possible, answered questions about treatment and side effects, and consulted my oncologist directly when necessary. When they can, they attend appointments with me too, to help wrangle ongoing needs. They’re someone you can ring or text who will just generally keep an eye on you. I’ve found them wonderful!”
Stephanie, Rural NSW
Financial counsellors are qualified professionals who provide free, independent and confidential advice to help people manage financial stress. You can contact a financial counsellor on 1800 007 007 or visit: https://ndh.org.au/
If you have a social worker, they may also be able to assist you in accessing financial support.
Teletrial is a proven model that connects regional, rural, and remote clinical trial sites with a primary site using digital telecommunication. This approach builds local capacity, promotes equitable access to trials, and brings research closer to where patients live. Medical teams across multiple hospitals work together as one, ensuring trials are delivered safely and effectively. Speak to your doctor about clinical trials you may have access to.
Job seekers in remote communities are supported by an employment service called the Remote Australia Employment Service (RAES) which started on 1 November 2025, replacing the Community Development Program (CDP). The RAES is about helping you gain the skills, mentoring and training you need to get ready to move into a job, including those created through the Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) program. It will also offer opportunities for you to be engaged in local projects in your community if you’re unable to work or you’re on the pathway to finding a job.
You can also find other employment services in your area via the Workforce Australia website.
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.
