Melanoma is a form of cancer that develops from the pigment producing cells of the skin. If untreated it can spread through the body and is potentially fatal.

In many parts of the world melanoma is becoming more common. However, it is still unusual to have more than one case of melanoma in a single family. When more than one person in a family has a melanoma, there might be something ‘running in the family’. That ‘something’ could mean other family members are more likely to get a melanoma than people outside the family.

The following information is for people who suspect that their family carries an increased risk of melanoma. It is also for people who have been told that they have such an increased risk.

Words in bold are defined in the Glossary at the bottom of this page.

There is a detailed CD-Rom/DVD called “Melanoma – Dealing with the diagnosis”. This was produced by Professor Newton Bishop, and colleagues from St James’s University Hospital in Leeds and from Bradford Royal Infirmary. The presentation contains text about melanoma, its diagnosis and treatment.

The information in this booklet is about dealing with melanoma, and is intended for patients who have recently been diagnosed with melanoma, and their families. This booklet contains written information, illustrations and photographs.

To download and view the PDF online version please click here.

The following sites contain a wealth of useful information. However, third parties over whom GenoMEL has no control maintain these sites. Therefore GenoMEL is not responsible or liable for the content, accuracy, services or other materials available from these sites.

Australia

The Cancer Council Australia
www.cancer.org.au
Provides evidence-based, up-to-date information about all aspects of cancer (including melanoma) to cancer patients, the general community, doctors and other health professionals. Features include The Cancer Council Helpline, patient support programmes and resources, detailed cancer information booklets (available in several different languages), advertisement of clinical trials and other research studies, and a directory of Australian cancer services. Specific information about melanoma can be found at: http://www.cancercouncil.com.au/editorial.asp?pageid=56

The Sydney Melanoma Unit
www.smu.org.au
The Sydney Melanoma Unit (SMU) is the largest dedicated melanoma treatment service in the world. The SMU website features extensive information about melanoma detection, treatment and prevention. It also provides information about the services offered through the SMU.

SunSmart Campaign
www.sunsmart.com.au
This website is dedicated to the issue of sun protection. It offers an extensive range of sun protection information booklets and brochures, available in multiple languages. It also provides information about skin cancer and sunburn, including skin damage caused by the use of solariums. These resources are particularly useful for health educators. An additional feature is the SunSmart UV Alert. The UV Alert is a daily, location-specific report on the risk of exposure to UV radiation, and is accompanied by recommendations for appropriate sun protection.

Melanoma Patients Australia
www.melanomapatients.org
A consumer-driven website which allows melanoma patients and their families to share their stories, and to connect with others who have had similar experiences.

The Cancer Council Queensland
www.cancerqld.org.au
The Cancer Council Queensland raises funds that are dedicated to eliminating cancer and diminishing suffering from cancer through treatment, early detection, prevention, research and patient care.

The Netherlands

The Dutch Cancer Society
www.kwf.nl

General information on melanoma
www.huidinfo.nl/melanoom.html

Site on hereditary diseases
www.erfelijkheid.nl

The United Kingdom

Cancerbackup - general cancer information
www.cancerbacup.org.uk
Cancerbackup is "Europe's leading cancer information charity" and an excellent source of clear information about cancer.

Cancer Research UK - melanoma skin cancer
http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=2788
This website is aimed at both patients and the general public. It explains the symptoms and causes of melanoma, and also covers treatment options and current research.

The Cancer Counselling Trust
www.cctrust.org.uk
The Cancer Counselling Trust offers telephone counselling for people in the UK dealing with cancer. This can mean both individuals diagnosed with cancer or their family and friends.

Macmillan Cancer Support
www.macmillan.org.uk
Macmillan Cancer Support aims to improve the lives of people affected by cancer. They provide practical, medical, emotional and financial support and campaign for better cancer care.

Wessex Cancer Trust MARC's Line - a resource centre
http://www.wessexcancer.org/templates/wessexcancer/content.asp?PageId=841
MARC's Line (Melanoma and Related Cancers of the Skin) is a resource centre, telephone advice line and self-help network for patients, families, and members of the general public.

The United States of America

Huntsman Cancer Institute - Staging and Prognosis
http://www.huntsmancancer.org/group/about~/melanomaProgram/stagingPrognosis.jsp
This site provides information on the importance of proper 'staging'.

Melanoma Hope Network.org
www.melanomahopenetwork.org
This is a comprehensive North American site, aimed at providing education and direct personal support to people diagnosed with melanoma.

The PLWC (People Living With Cancer) guide to melanoma
www.plwc.org/PLWC/Cancer+Types/Melanoma
This authoritative website provides "oncologist-approved information from the American Society of Clinical Oncology".

The Siteman Cancer Centre St Louis
www.siteman.wustl.edu/internal.aspx?id=693&content=699
This website provides general skin cancer information.

The National Cancer Institute
www.cancer.gov

American Cancer Society
www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp?level=0

Page updated: 11/02/08