The patient’s general practitioner should consider an individualised supportive care assessment where appropriate to identify the needs of an individual, their carer and family. If the general practitioner is treating the patient, the patient should be appropriately counselled with respect to prognosis and risk of recurrence, along with advice on sun protection behaviours. If the general practitioner’s knowledge does not have the required depth, so long as the melanoma has been excised in the biopsy, the patient should be informed that a short delay to seeing a specialist will not be harmful. The general practitioner should outline to the patient the likely next step in management. Refer to appropriate support services as required. See validated screening tools mentioned in Principle 4 ‘Supportive care’.

Specific needs may arise for patients at this time:

• assistance for dealing with the emotional distress and/or anger of dealing with a potential cancer diagnosis, anxiety/depression, interpersonal problems and adjustment difficulties
• encouragement and support to increase levels of exercise (Cormie et al. 2018; Hayes et al. 2019).

For more information refer to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence 2015 guidelines, Suspected cancer: recognition and referral.

For additional information on supportive care and needs that may arise for different population groups, see Appendices Appendices A and B, and special population groups.

The general practitioner is responsible for:

• providing patients with information that clearly describes to whom they are being referred, the reason for referral and the expected timeframes for appointments
• requesting that patients notify them if the specialist has not been in contact within the expected timeframe
• considering referral options for patients living rurally or remotely
• supporting the patient while waiting for the specialist appointment (Cancer Council nurses are available to act as a point of information and reassurance during the anxious period of awaiting further diagnostic information; patients can contact 13 11 20 nationally to speak to a cancer nurse).

Refer to Principle 6 ‘Communication’ for communication skills training programs and resources.