It is estimated that the risk of an individual dying from melanoma by their 85th birthday has reached one in 118 people. The risk is greater in men, with one in 76 males likely to die of melanoma by the age of 85, compared with women, where the risk is one in 227.
This is huge. Melanoma is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Australia, yet it is primarily preventable if found in the early stages.
Survival rates remain low for skin cancer diagnosed at an advanced stage however, meaning there is a key role for GPs in earlier diagnosis and treatment of melanoma and in the delivery of prevention messages.
General practitioners are at the front line of skin cancer detection for most Australians. They have the knowledge and skills needed to perform skin checks and minor procedures, discuss skin cancer risk and provide advice.
Optimal Care Pathways (OCPs) for cancer are national guidelines that outline the best possible cancer care for specific tumour types.
This year, Primary Health Networks in Victoria will focus on building awareness of the melanoma OCP, developing and promoting education opportunities for GPs to build their skills in skin cancer diagnosis and hear about new treatments and adding a new suite of melanoma HealthPathways for use at the point of care.
Learn more about optimal care pathways
Melanoma – HealthPathways Melbourne
If you do not have access to HealthPathways please contact info@healthpathways.org.au.
By the Victorian and Tasmanian Primary Health Network Alliance.
Disclaimer: This article was provided by Victorian and Tasmanian Primary Health Network Alliance. While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network does not warrant or represent the accuracy, currency and completeness of any information or material included within.
