Your Melanoma Nurse: What They Do and How They Help

A melanoma diagnosis can turn your world upside down. Suddenly, you’re faced with new medical terms, treatment decisions, appointments, scans, and uncertainty about the future. During these challenging times, Melanoma and Specialist Cancer Nurses can become one of the most important members of your care team. 

Whether they’re based in a hospital or providing support remotely through telehealth, Melanoma Nurses help patients and their families understand their diagnosis, navigate treatment, access support services, and feel less alone throughout their melanoma care pathway.

More Than Medical Care

Melanoma affects much more than physical health. Many patients experience information overload, emotional distress, anxiety about treatment, fear of recurrence or progression, and uncertainty about what comes next. 

Peta Holly, Telehealth Nurse Manager at Melanoma Patients Australia, acknowledges that supportive care can be just as important as medical treatment itself. 

“We know that melanoma affects more than physical health, and supportive care needs can arise at any stage of the care pathway. The right support at the right time can make a real difference, and by working together with a patient’s clinical team, we can help ensure that no one affected by melanoma walks alone.”

What Does a Melanoma Specialist Cancer Nurse Do?

Melanoma Nurses are registered nurses with specialised knowledge of melanoma, cancer, its treatments, side effects, and the challenges patients face throughout their care. 

Their role often includes: 

• Explaining melanoma diagnoses and treatment options 

• Helping patients understand medical information 

• Preparing patients for appointments and treatment 

• Coordinating care between healthcare providers 

• Identifying and addressing supportive care needs 

• Providing emotional support and reassurance 

• Connecting patients with peer support and counselling services 

• Helping patients navigate the healthcare system 

Importantly, Melanoma and Specialist Cancer Nurses provide personalised support based on what matters most to each patient at a particular point in time. 

Hospital Based Melanoma and Specialist Cancer Nurses

Many patients are introduced to a specialist nurse through their hospital or treatment centre. 

Hospital-based Melanoma and Specialist Cancer Nurses often work closely with surgeons, medical oncologists, dermatologists, radiation oncologists, and other healthcare professionals. They may coordinate appointments, arrange referrals, monitor treatment side effects, assist with treatment planning, and act as a key point of contact between patients and their healthcare team. 

Much of a nurse’s work happens behind the scenes. They help identify concerns early, coordinate multidisciplinary care, facilitate referrals, monitor side effects, and ensure patients receive timely support before small issues become bigger problems. 

How Melanoma Telehealth Nurses Support Patients

Not all support needs happen during hospital appointments. 

Many patients find they need someone to talk to between consultations, when they’ve forgotten information discussed during an appointment, are unsure what questions to ask, or simply need help processing what’s happening. 

This is where Melanoma Telehealth Nurses can play an invaluable role. 

MPA’s specialist Melanoma Telehealth Nurse Service provides free support to Australians affected by any stage or type of melanoma. 

Patients can access support through telephone or video consultations regardless of where they live. 

Telehealth nurses help by: 

• Clarifying medical information 

• Supporting self-advocacy 

• Helping patients prepare for appointments 

• Providing emotional and practical support 

• Connecting patients with community resources 

• Referring patients to counselling and peer support programs 

• Supporting patients through key transitions in their melanoma care pathway 

These services can be particularly valuable for people living in regional, rural, and remote communities where access to specialist services may be limited. 

Get Support at Every Stage of the Melanoma Journey

Supportive care needs often change over time. 

Many people assume support is only needed immediately after diagnosis. However, nurses frequently see increased support needs during the transition to treatment, after treatment finishes, during surveillance and monitoring, or if melanoma returns 

Peta Holly explained that Melanoma Patients Australia’s model of care is designed around these important transition points, recognising that every patient’s needs evolve throughout their melanoma experience. 

Patients can access support during: 

• Initial diagnosis 

• Treatment planning 

• Active treatment 

• Treatment completion 

• Follow-up and surveillance 

• Recurrence or advanced disease 

• Early bereavement 

Importantly, patients can reconnect with services whenever new support needs arise.

A Patient’s Perspective on What a Melanoma Nurse Does

For melanoma patient Ted, specialist nursing support became particularly important during some of the more emotionally challenging moments of his treatment. 

After being diagnosed with metastatic melanoma and undergoing immunotherapy and surgery, Ted found comfort in speaking with nurses who understood the realities of living with melanoma. 

“It helped to feel heard, reassured and less isolated. Talking to the melanoma nurses allowed me to discuss my concerns with people who understood what I was going through.” 

Ted’s experience highlights something many patients discover: while family and friends are incredibly supportive, speaking with someone who understands melanoma and its impact can provide a different kind of reassurance.

What if I Don’t Know What Melanoma Support I Need?

One of the biggest challenges for newly diagnosed patients is knowing what questions to ask. 

Many people don’t realise support services exist until well into their melanoma care pathway. 

Melanoma Nurses can help identify needs that patients may not even be aware of themselves, from practical concerns such as treatment logistics and appointments, through to emotional challenges like scan anxiety, fear of recurrence, and adjusting to life after treatment. 

As a result, one of the most important things patients can do is simply ask: “What support is available to me?” 

No One Needs to Face Melanoma Alone

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, recovering from surgery, managing side effects, or adjusting to life after treatment, support is available. 

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. 

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. 

• Call the National Melanoma Support Line 1300 884 450
• Book a referral for a Melanoma Nurse Telehealth appointment
• Speak with our Melanoma Nurse Counsellor
• Join a Melanoma Patients Australia Support Group

Like this blog? Head to Melanoma Patients Australia News & Events to read more.