MELANOMA SUPPORT SERVICES

A melanoma diagnosis can be overwhelming. But you don’t have to face the challenges alone. The Melanoma Network of Canada offers a wide variety of free services to support patients, families and caregivers through every step of their journey.

Phone & Email Support

Available Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm EST. We aim to respond to all inquires within 48 hours. All calls and
emails and are confidential. For support call 905.901.5121 x108 or 1.877.560.8035 x108
or email mzawadzki@melanomanetwork.ca

To learn about our support team and phone and email support click here

Peer-to-Peer Melanoma Support Program

Are you a patient or caregiver looking to speak with someone else that has perhaps been where you are currently and can offer some insights and support? Ask us about our Peer to Peer Melanoma Support Program .This program is designed to connect melanoma patients to a peer volunteer who has also faced the disease and can offer their experience and provide information and support as needed.

This service is offered by telephone or email and can connect patients anywhere in the country. Patients can create a special connection with one another and be able to relieve some of their stress, worries, concerns, and fears that come from living with cancer diagnosis. Peer mentors will be assigned (based on availability) by similar diagnosis, life situation, etc.

If you are interested in becoming a Peer to Peer volunteer or would like to be matched with a fellow patient/caregiver please contact Mary Zawadzki B.A, SSW, RSSW mzawadzki@melanomanetwork.ca or 1-877-560-8035 x 108

Private Facebook Support Groups

These support groups are a private place for people to tell their stories, ask questions and get the support they need. No one should face cancer alone. Our support groups are moderated by patient care specialist Mary Zawadzki B.A SSW RSSW

Cutaneous Squamous Cell (cSCC) Support Group

Uveal Melanoma Network

Mucosal Melanoma Network

Acral Melanoma Network

Caregiver Support Group

Cancer Grief Group

Attend a Melanoma Information Session

Melanoma information sessions provide patients, their families and friends, and health care providers with information and updates on the latest in treatment therapies and support related to Melanoma. These sessions are free of charge and are held throughout the year, generally at major cancer treatment centres across the country. Please contact us for more information or click on our event calendar for upcoming dates and locations. Click here to find out more, watch past sessions, and for a list of event dates.

Melanoma Online Patient Forum

Melanoma Network of Canada online discussion forum provides a place to ask questions or provide insights and information on your own experience with other patients and caregivers. It is a great way to get a timely response to your questions or concerns. Visit our Discussion Forum

Melanoma Patient Education Video Library

Videos are available on our website and YouTube channel. Video topics include Patient Information Session
recordings with leading Melanoma experts – oncologists, social workers, psychologists, drug navigators and more.
visit our YouTube channel www.youtube.com/user/MelanomaCanada

Publications for Patients & Caregivers

Read our world-class publications designed and produced by MNC for melanoma patients, caregivers and physicians. Click here to access the publications. You can also access our list of books and other helpful websites. If you would like to receive a print copy of our publications please contact Mary Zawadzki B.A, SSW, RSSW  mzawadzki@melanomanetwork.ca or 1-877-560-8035 x 108

MNC Monitor -Sign Up for our quarterly Newsletter

Our newsletter is published 4 times per year and provides updates on the latest treatment therapies, events, patient stories and issues facing patients in Canada. By signing up for our mailing list you will receive the latest in our newsletters and event information. Archived editions of our newsletter can be found here.  Please note that MNC respects the privacy of our patients at all times. We never provide patient contact information to outside service providers or advertisers. Click here to sign up today!

Why Get Support?

Using our support services may help you:

• Feel more connected to others who understand living with melanoma
• Gain a sense of empowerment and control
• Improve coping skills and adjustment to a cancer diagnosis
• Talk openly and honestly about your feelings
• Reduce distress, depression or anxiety
• Get a clearer understanding of what to expect
• Learn about new medical research
• Get practical information about treatment options
• Compare notes about resources, such as doctors and alternative options

We are here to listen and support you anywhere in Canada – you are not alone! 

About Melanoma Network of Canada Support Services

Please note we do not give medical advice, but can assist people with melanoma and other forms of skin cancer by answering questions, reviewing their diagnosis and treatment options, clinical trial information and helping to make sense of often complex terminology and information. If we can’t answer your questions, MNC will research your specific question or request and provide you with a timely response wherever possible, either by phone or email. We try to help you navigate your diagnosis and the medical system wherever possible. For most of us, the diagnosis alone, can be stressful enough. We are here to help support and direct you to the right information and resources.

  We would like to thank and acknowledge Merck Canada for providing partial funding for Melanoma Patient Support Programming.