Your WA Guide to Skin Cancer Support Services
Receiving a skin cancer diagnosis, especially for the first time, can be overwhelming. At Shade Skin, we understand how confronting this journey can be, not only for patients but also for their families and loved ones. While our clinical team is here to support you, there are also many free or low-cost support services available across Western Australia that can provide guidance, emotional care, and practical help.
Our guide outlines the key resources available to help you navigate your diagnosis, access the right care, and feel supported at every stage.
“Receiving a skin cancer diagnosis, especially for the first time, can be overwhelming. At Shade Skin, we understand how confronting this journey can be, not only for patients but also for their families and loved ones. “
Emotional and Psychological Support
Cancer Council WA
Cancer Council WA offers free and confidential counselling services for cancer patients and their families. Sessions are available in person, over the phone, or via telehealth, and are offered in both metro and regional areas. These services support patients with emotional challenges such as fear, anxiety, family communication, or lifestyle changes.
Call 13 11 20 to speak to a cancer nurse, who can also organise counselling sessions. Support is available for children impacted by a family member’s diagnosis (with parental consent for those under 16, and child consent for those over 13).
WA Psycho-Oncology Service
This free statewide clinical psychology service provides specialised counselling for cancer patients and their families within the public health system. The service supports people in coping with the psychological impacts of a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Contact: (08) 6457 1177 or email wapos@health.wa.gov.au
Melanoma Institute Australia WA
Following its 2020 merger with melanomaWA, the Melanoma Institute offers support groups and resources tailored to melanoma patients. While their WA-based Community Support Nurse is currently on parental leave, patients can access help via Melanoma Patients Australia.
Regular support groups include:
Perth Melanoma Support Group: Meets monthly on the first Thursday, alternating between morning (10am–12pm) and evening (6pm–8pm) sessions.
WA Ocular Melanoma Support Group: Meets quarterly on the last Thursday of the month, 1pm–3pm.
Both are held at the Cancer Wellness Centre in Cottesloe.
Melanoma Patients Australia (MPA)
MPA provides national, free support services for individuals diagnosed with melanoma, as well as for their families, friends, and carer’s. Services include peer-to-peer support, counselling, and structured support groups.
More info: https://melanomapatients.org.au/support-services/support-groups/
Medical and Diagnostic Support
Specialised Skin Cancer Care at Shade
Ongoing care is vital following a diagnosis. Whether through Shade, your GP, or a dermatologist, we recommend regular follow-up appointments to monitor previous treatment sites, check for new lesions, and support your long-term skin health.
At Shade, our team focuses on:
Reviewing previous skin cancer or melanoma sites
Examining lymph nodes (if clinically required)
Checking the full body for new or suspicious lesions
Offering education around prevention and sun protection
Early detection remains critical as 99% of skin cancers are curable if caught early. High-risk patients may require skin checks every few months, while others benefit from annual reviews.
Melanoma and Skin Cancer Nurse Coordination Service
This free service, available through the public system, helps patients navigate their diagnosis, access appointments, and coordinate referrals to allied services (e.g., physiotherapy or social work).
Contact: (08) 6457 0855 or email cnwa@health.wa.gov.au
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:30pm
Community and Peer Support
Cancer Council WA Support Groups
These groups bring together people affected by cancer to share their stories, gain emotional support, and reduce feelings of isolation. Cancer Council also offers Cancer Connect, a peer support telephone service linking patients and carer’s with trained volunteers who have had similar experiences.
Call 13 11 20 to get connected.
Australian Skin Cancer Foundation
This foundation builds community awareness through events and partnerships, including free pop-up skin check clinics. Their Skin Check Truck travels to regional and underserved communities, increasing access to early detection.
Follow them on social media for updates on locations and events.
Education and Prevention Programs
Melanoma Institute Australia – SunSafe Student Ambassador Program
This one-day workshop educates secondary students about sun safety and empowers them to spread awareness. It combines health education with public speaking skills to encourage youth advocacy and reduce long-term skin cancer risk.
Cancer Council WA – SunSmart Program
SunSmart promotes the five key sun protection behaviours:
Slip on protective clothing
Slop on SPF50+ sunscreen
Slap on a broad-brimmed hat
Seek shade
Slide on sunglasses
Visit sunsmart.com.au for educational tools and sun safety tips.
Practical Support
Cancer Council WA – Accommodation and Travel Assistance
Patients from regional WA often need to travel long distances for treatment. Cancer Council WA provides accommodation support and financial assistance to reduce the burden of travel.
Call 13 11 20 for more details.
How to Access Support
Emotional support:
Cancer Council WA: 13 11 20
WA Psycho-Oncology Service: (08) 6457 1177
Melanoma Institute WA: (08) 9322 1908
Medical care:
Consult your GP, dermatologist, or skin cancer specialist (e.g., Shade Skin)
Public system coordination:
Melanoma and Skin Cancer Nurse Service: (08) 6457 0855
Community and peer support:
Cancer Council WA and Melanoma Patients Australia
Final Thoughts
If you or a loved one is facing a skin cancer diagnosis, please know that you are not alone. Western Australia has a strong network of emotional, medical, and community-based services ready to help you through this journey. By staying connected, prioritising regular skin checks, and taking preventative steps, you can improve your outcomes and protect your long-term health.
Useful Links
Cancer Council WA: https://www.cancerwa.asn.au
Melanoma Institute Australia: https://www.melanoma.org.au
Melanoma Patients Australia: https://melanomapatients.org.au/support-services/support-groups/
Note: information is accurate as of 30 June 2025.
Written by Dr Emily Alfonsi
MBBS, FRACGP, DRANZCOG
Medical Director, Shade Skin
Dr Emily is a skin cancer doctor with advanced training in diagnosis and treatment. She has personally detected and treated hundreds of skin cancers and is passionate about early intervention and patient education.
