Melanoma Support Services

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

Melanoma Support Groups

Patient Support Group

Join a Melanoma Patient & Caregiver Support Group to meet with others facing similar experiences. Led by skilled health care professionals along with melanoma survivors, the meetings are structured but also flexible in format and topics. Our groups share information, understanding, challenges, questions, tips and invite guest speakers.

Update on Support Groups COVID-19

Physical distancing with social connecting is our goal to get through this together! We can use each other’s support now more than ever. MNC will continue to provide monthly support group meetings, but now in a virtual capacity on the first Wednesday of every month, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM (EDT).

Please register and receive further details with the meeting link to connect via computer, tablet or smartphone; or use the toll free number if you wish to join us using your phone. For more information please contact Mary Zawadzki: mzawadzki@melanomanetwork.ca or at: 905.901.5121 | 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

Caregiver Support 

Caregiver Support Group

Join us on for our Virtual Caregiver Support Group, Our groups share information, understanding, challenges, questions, tips and invites guest speakers. We provide an evening of encouragement, connection and support for caregivers of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer.  Please register and receive further details with the meeting link to connect via computer, tablet or smartphone; or use the toll free number if you wish to join us using your phone. For more information please contact Mary Zawadzki: mzawadzki@melanomanetwork.ca or at: 905.901.5121 | 1.877.560.8035 x 108

Private Facebook Caregiver Support Group

This group was established to provide online support to caregivers across Canada who are providing support to someone with melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. The group is moderated by Melanoma Network’s Patient Care Specialist Mary Zawadzki. Click here to join

New Grief Support

Private Facebook Cancer Grief Group

You are not alone in your grief; emotional support and help is available. This group aims to provide connection and a space for those who have lost someone to melanoma and skin cancer to connect with other grievers. The group is a comfortable space to help you feel supported and encourages you to ask questions and share stories to gain valuable feedback and assistance from your peers. Moderated by Patient Care Specialist Mary Zawadzki from Melanoma Network of Canada. Click here to join.

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!

Clinical Trials

Melanoma Network of Canada is actively assisting in the recruitment of patients in clinical trials and promoting patient input of clinical trial protocol design. For more information on clinical trials visit www.melanomanetwork.ca/clinical-trials or call 905.901.5121 x105 or 1.877.560.8035 x105

“Annette Cyr is a remarkable and generous woman. She called and walked me through my diagnosis, helped me understand my next steps, what resources to use and how to prepare for my first oncology
appointment.”

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.