Report: Melanoma Summit 2011

The 11th of March 2011 marked the second ever national Melanoma Summit. Held at Te Papa in Wellington, the Summit attracted more than 200 researchers, clinicians, nurses, health promoters and members of the public who came together in order to hear speakers at the forefront of their fields in melanoma diagnosis, research and treatment.

The Melanoma Foundation is proud to have sponsored the visit of plenary speaker Lisa McFadyen, CEO of Melanoma Patients Australia (MPA). Lisa's presentation “Responding to the unmet needs of melanoma patients and their families in Australia” touched on the main areas which MPA focuses on to deliver patient-focused services and information to members. Lisa described the growth MPA has experienced since first starting as a small organisation in 2006 to now having over 1100 members and running support groups in 18 different regions of Australia. Lisa spoke about the MPA Online Patient Forum which many Australian patients find helpful. She invited New Zealanders affected by melanoma to join the MPA forum where other Kiwi's are already contributing.

An important part of the summit were the workshops which took place in the afternoon. Dr Michael Ashby of the Melanoma Foundation of New Zealand facilitated the Foundation's discussion group “Change-making in Melanoma”. We were fortunate enough to have health professionals, individuals with melanoma and family of those with melanoma attend the discussion group and give feedback on what “works” and what is needed by those diagnosed with melanoma.

When looking at what “works”, the workshop identified the Melanoma Foundation's resources, Melanoma Patients Australia's online forum, Cancer Society's Information Helpline (0800 CANCER) and counselling services, and Cancer Society's booklet Melanoma Tonapuku. The many nurses throughout the health sector who gave support and information were appreciated.

The group identified communication at all levels including an early point of contact and an overview of “what happens next” as important needs for a newly diagnosed melanoma patient. Promotion of the “0800 CANCER” line and the Melanoma Foundation as well as support groups was also identified as a need. More information on clinical trials and available resources came up more than once during the discussion, and it was also suggested that resources be developed for employers and families.

Last mentioned but certainly not least, was the importance of drawing on the knowledge and experiences of those who have been through the melanoma diagnosis and treatment process. In this way not only can we learn from and help each other, but the collective knowledge can help health professionals better inform and assist others who are newly diagnosed. Workshop participant Thank you to everyone who participated in the 'Change-making in Melanoma' workshop. Your feedback is extremely valuable to guiding us to better meet the needs of those affected with melanoma.

Rowena bravely volunteered and did a great job of reporting back to the Summit on the workshop. At the conclusion of the Summit those present called upon the NZ Government to ban the use of sunbeds by those under the age of 18. The meeting called for the Government to follow the World Health Organization’s guidelines, which have been adopted by many other countries. Read about the call for sunbed regulation here.

If you were unable to be at the Melanoma Summit but would like to share some thoughts, ideas or insights with us then please feel free to contact the Melanoma Foundation's Education Nurse Debbie Heaney at nurse@melanomafoundation.org.nz. Debbie would be happy to hear any suggestions or information you would like to share.