Whether you’re navigating a melanoma diagnosis, treatment, recovery, or survivorship, we understand the unique challenges of living in rural, regional and remote Australia.
Distance from major treatment centres, limited access to specialist care, travel costs, and time away from work, family, and community can all make managing melanoma more difficult.
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.
Hear from people who have experienced melanoma and treatment while living outside major cities.
Regional areas come with a whole lot of restraints and challenges.
Paul lives in regional Western Australia, where specialist cancer care often means travelling long distances. After being diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic melanoma, his journey included immunotherapy, managing side effects, and ongoing care between Kalgoorlie and Perth.
When you have to travel [for treatment] and stay over in the city because of appointment times it becomes quite expensive.
Sue lives in Bundaberg, a regional city in Central QLD. “It’s a reasonably sized regional city” she explains, referring to her ability to access the specialists she needs but with some limitations.
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.
The most important things to look for are any changes, including existing and new moles that appear on your skin. The ABCDE guidelines can be used to check your skin.
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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.
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with melanoma, it’s natural to have questions about what comes next. These short animated videos are designed to guide you through your journey—starting with what treatment may involve, and how to manage life beyond diagnosis.
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.
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.
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.
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.
MPA recognises that Australians impacted by melanoma in regional, rural and remote areas often need tailored support. We’re here to walk alongside you and help you connect with others who understand what you’re going through.
In June 2024, we introduced a Virtual Peer Support Group specifically for people affected by melanoma living outside metropolitan areas. We’re excited to continue growing this community and welcome new participants.
This monthly one-hour group is delivered via Zoom and is proudly supported through Cancer Australia’s Supporting People with Cancer Grant.
If you live in a regional, rural or remote location and would like to join this safe, supportive space, or learn more, please use the links below.
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.
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.
“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.
This initiative was developed as part of the Bridging the Great Melanoma Divide grant, funded by the Australian Government through Cancer Australia’s Supporting people with cancer Grant program.
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.
