Skin Cancer

Diagnosing skin cancer

Screening for skin cancer

A screening test allows a doctor to routinely check for types of cancer such as breast cancer. Unfortunately, there is currently no screening test for skin cancer. 

How is skin cancer diagnosed?

To investigate your health concerns, your specialist or doctor may schedule one or several of the following skin cancer tests:

Magnifying tools

Depending on symptoms, your doctor may inspect your moles or skin using a hand-held magnifying tool.

Biopsy

Your doctor may request that you undergo a biopsy after they inspect your skin with a magnifying tool. A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue that will be examined under a microscope.

Staging - Investigating the extent of the cancer

Following the biopsy results, your specialist will stage your skin cancer from 0 – 4. Staging helps your care team and specialists to create a unique treatment plan.

What does my cancer stage mean?

Stage 0

Stage 0 melanoma (melanoma in situ) is when the cancer has not grown deeper than the top layer of the skin.

Stage 1

The cancerous tumour is relatively small and the cancer has not yet spread to other tissue.

Stage 2

Cancerous tumour remains relatively localised but has spread to nearby tissue beyond its origin.

Stage 3

Cancer has spread regionally and affected surrounding tissue, and may have grown.

Stage 4

Sometimes called advanced cancer, stage 4 means cancer has spread to other tissue or organs beyond the region where it originated.

Treatment for skin cancer

We understand that treatment options can be overwhelming. Epworth oncologists and specialists are here to guide and support you to make the best choice for your health.

Skin cancer treatment at Epworth

Following a diagnosis of skin cancer, your oncologist and cancer care team will create a treatment plan tailored to the specific stage and type of cancer. Your Epworth specialist will discuss the treatment options with you and consider your circumstances and your preferences.

Below is an overview of common skin cancer treatments:

Surgery

Surgery is the main form of treatment for skin cancer and in some cases can completely cure your cancer. Depending on your type of skin cancer and stage, your care team may recommend surgery where the mole and a section of the surrounding skin is removed.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is the use of radiation to treat and manage cancer and may be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment. Radiotherapy at Epworth is supported by the latest world-class technology and evidence-based techniques, a highly experienced team of radiation oncologists, radiation therapists, physicists and nurses are committed to providing compassionate and exceptional care.

Why choose Epworth for cancer care?

Epworth HealthCare is Victoria's largest not-for-profit private hospital group. Renowned for excellence in diagnosis, treatment, care and rehabilitation. Epworth is an innovator in Australia’s health system, embracing the latest in evidence-based medicine to pioneer treatments and services for our patients.

Supported by excellent facilities, we integrate clinical practice with education and research to deliver outstanding patient care, each and every day.

Skin cancer rehabilitation

Who is the program for?

Our cancer rehabilitation program is designed for anyone diagnosed with skin cancer at any time from diagnosis to treatment and recovery.

Rehabilitation doesn't start after your treatment has ended. You may benefit from our holistic rehabilitation programs at any time throughout your cancer journey. Our programs can support you to physically and emotionally prepare for treatment and restore your strength and wellbeing.

What does the cancer rehabilitation program involve?

Before you start

You will meet a rehabilitation doctor and allied health team for a medical, psychosocial, and physical assessment.

Everyone's cancer care journey is different. The assessments will help the team understand your specific needs to develop the right program for you. You will work with the team to develop goals to work towards throughout the program.

During the program

Depending on your assessment and individual needs, you may complete your program:

• as part of a group, with other people, who have been diagnosed with varying cancers
• on your own

Most people will attend as an outpatient, coming to hospital for a few hours once or twice a week, over several weeks. Some people may need to stay overnight in hospital and complete a program over several consecutive days.

Either way, you will receive the same support from our team to address your physical, functional and emotional needs.

Your program may include:

• A physical exercise component to help restore movement, strength and fitness
• An educational component where you will learn about different areas associated with your cancer diagnosis and treatment and how to manage them, including:
  • fatigue
  • pain
  • emotional wellbeing
  • body image and self-esteem
  • work or family challenges
  • relationships
  • late-onset of side effects.

At the end of your program

Our rehabilitation team will keep in touch with your referring doctor and/or treating team throughout the program and our team will keep them informed about your progress.

They will also connect you to local services and support networks so you can leave our program with the strength and confidence to live life to your fullest potential.

Who will support me during the rehabilitation program?

Depending on your needs, you may see some or all of our multidisciplinary team which includes:

• Rehabilitation specialist doctor
• Cancer nurse 
• Exercise physiologist
• Physiotherapist
• Psychologist
• Social worker
• Occupational therapist
• Dietitian.

How can I access a rehabilitation program?

Referrals

A referral from your specialist or GP is required to participate.

Ask your doctor to complete the referral form at www.epworth.org.au/rehab and return it to us via fax: 03 9982 6696 or email: [email protected]

Locations

Group programs are located at Epworth Camberwell and Epworth Hawthorn.

Individual programs can be accessed at Epworth Brighton, Epworth Camberwell, Epworth Geelong, Epworth Hawthorn or Epworth Richmond Rehabilitation.

Contact us

If you have any questions about our cancer rehabilitation programs, call us on: 1300 345 600.

Life after skin cancer

Life after skin cancer treatment can pose its own challenges but our Epworth specialists are here to support you.

Life after treatment

Life after skin cancer treatment can be a mixture of emotions. You may not 'bounce back' as quickly as you like, but be kind to yourself and start making plans with your family or carers. 

Remember that:

• You may still feel fatigued for a while after finishing treatment.
• If required, make an advanced care plan.
• Ask for help. If your body has changed due to treatment, remember help is out there to support you to feel your best and regain your sense of identity and self-esteem. Speak with your care team about options to support your general wellbeing after treatment.

Follow-up appointments

If you’re in remission for skin cancer you will likely need follow-up appointments with your care team to ensure abnormal cells have not returned and to check in on your overall wellbeing. 

Palliative care

In some cases, palliative care may be discussed with you and your family in some cases. Epworth palliative care aims to relieve you of symptoms and manage pain.