People who identify as sexually or gender diverse may have unique needs following a cancer diagnosis. Sexually or gender diverse identities include (but are not limited to) people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, collectively ‘LGBT’. There is no universally agreed upon initialism to describe this community, with other terms such as queer/questioning…

Alfred Health Cancer Australia Cancer Council Victoria, Strategy and Support Division Cancer Institute New South Wales Concord Repatriation General Hospital New South Wales Consumer representative Department of Health Victoria, Commissioning and System Improvement Division, Cancer Unit National Cancer Expert Reference Group Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne Other stakeholders consulted…

A diagnosis of cancer may present additional challenges to people who have pre-existing chronic mental health or psychiatric concerns, resulting in exacerbation of their mental health symptoms. This may include heightened anxiety, worsening depression or thoughts of self-harm. As poor adjustment and coping can affect treatment decisions, people who are known to have a mental…

The multidisciplinary team may include the following members: care coordinator (as determined by the multidisciplinary team members)* dermatologist* nurse (with appropriate expertise in wound management)* pathologist* radiation oncologist* radiologist/imaging specialist* plastic surgeon/ surgeon* Aboriginal health practitioner, Indigenous liaison officer or remote general practitioner clinical trials coordinator dietitian exercise physiologist fertility specialist general practitioner medical oncologist…

In general, people from lower socioeconomic groups are at greater risk of poor health, have higher rates of illness, disability and death, and live shorter lives than those from higher socioeconomic groups (AIHW 2016). People experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage are less likely to participate in screening programs, more likely to be obese, less likely to exercise…

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to the land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures and to Elders past, present and emerging. This work is available from the Cancer Council website. First published in December 2015. This edition published in June 2021.…

Our thanks to the following health professionals, consumer representatives, stakeholders and organisations consulted in developing this optimal care pathway.

Associate Professor Chris McCormack (Co-chair), Dermatologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Dr David Speakman (Co-chair), Surgeon, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Dr Felix Choi, General Practitioner, Australian Skin Cancer Clinics New South Wales Mr Wai-Ting Choi, Plastic Surgeon, Western Health Professor Jon Emery, Herman Professor of Primary Care Cancer Research, The University of Melbourne Dr Michelle Goh,…

Distress can occur for patients with perceived disfiguring scars, such as those that occur with skin grafting and surgical removal of keratinocyte cancer, particularly in the face, head and neck. Providing patients with tailored and accurate information before undergoing treatment, facilitating patient decisions regarding appearance-altering treatment, and meeting peers with similar personal experience may help…

Professor John Thompson (Chair), Surgical Oncologist, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, University of Sydney Dr Wai-ting Choi, Plastic Surgeon, Austin Health Dr Felix Choi, General Practitioner, Australian Skin Cancer Clinics Dr Alvin Chong, Dermatologist and Senior Lecturer, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, Skin & Cancer Foundation Inc., The University of Melbourne Professor Jon Emery, General Practitioner, Professor…