Spot On Podcast by MSCAN

In this episode of the Spot On Podcast, host Peter Birch welcomes guests Pauline Ryan and Carl Morehouse to share their experience with melanoma, and the challenges they faced as a family with young children. Pauline, discovered a concerning lesion/spot on her neck while pregnant with her second child. After being diagnosed with stage three melanoma, Pauline discusses how she worked hard to balance her children's needs over her own health, while also recognising the importance of self-care. Throughout the episode, Pauline discusses her mental health journey, including feelings of guilt and anxiety. She emphasises the importance of prioritising oneself, practising mindfulness and meditation, and finding solace in activities like swimming and exercise. Pauline's husband Carl shares his perspective on supporting Pauline and the challenges he faced in balancing work and family responsibilities. Carl also talks about societal expectations for fathers and mothers and the importance of teamwork in their relationship. Throughout the episode, the focus remains on their family and giving their daughters the best life possible, while also expressing gratitude for the moments they share and the support they receive. The Spot On Podcast, brought to you by MSCAN, engages with leading clinicians, researchers, and advocates to increase knowledge and support for those affected by a diagnosis. The podcast provides valuable insights on the lived experience of melanoma and skin cancer. The Spot On Podcast is produced independently and freely, thanks to the contribution of our interviewees. We are grateful for their time and expertise. Please note, the content discussed in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. It is always important to consult a medical professional for advice relating to your specific situation.

Cutaneous Lymphoma (CL) or lymphoma of the skin, is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that can appear as a rash or bumps on the skin. In this episode we speak to four distinguished guests about cutaneous lymphoma, its signs and symptoms, how it is different from other skin cancers, how it can progress if not discovered early and treatment options. In this episode, MSCAN speaks with Dr Carrie Van der Weyden, a Consultant Haematologist and researcher based at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne in their Multidisciplinary Skin Lymphoma Clinic. We also chat with A/Prof Chris McCormack, who has over 25 years of dermatology experience and is a leading dermatological expert in cutaneous lymphoma. A/Prof Belinda Campbell provides her expertise and knowledge, as the Deputy Director of Radiation Oncology at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Honorary Clinical Associate Professor at The University of Melbourne. And finally MSCAN talks with Odette Buelens, an established Nurse Practitioner specilaising in skin lymphoma and is deeply involved in patient care with those with cutaneous lymphoma. The Spot On Podcast is brought to you by the Melanoma & Skin Cancer Advocacy Network (MSCAN) who are providing a new, innovative approach to tackle Australia’s national cancer. MSCAN engages with Australia’s leading clinicians, researchers and advocates with the aim of increasing the knowledge of those affected by a diagnosis. MSCAN is grateful to the clinicians interviewed in our podcast series. They have all provided their time and input freely and independently. The content discussed in these episodes is for information purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Please make sure you speak with a medical professional for advice relating to your own specific situation.

In this episode we look at the patient story. John Mason, who has spent much of his life outdoors around rural Australia and currently living off-grid in Qld. John was diagnosed with Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC), which is a rare but aggressive form of skin cancer that can easily spread to other parts of the body if it is not diagnosed early. Australia has a higher incidence of MCC than other countries around the world and is likely caused by an increased exposure to UV radiation. John tells us candidly about his diagnosis, treatment and treating team, the regional approach to care, and comes out the other side a changed man - grateful, humble and incredibly positive. Make sure you share this episode with a friend or family member if you think they will get some value. The Spot On Podcast is brought to you by the Melanoma & Skin Cancer Advocacy Network (MSCAN) who are providing a new, innovative approach to tackle Australia’s national cancer. MSCAN engages with Australia’s leading clinicians, researchers and advocates with the aim of increasing the knowledge of those affected by a diagnosis. MSCAN is grateful to the clinicians interviewed in our podcast series. They have all provided their time and input freely and independently. The content discussed in these episodes is for information purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Please make sure you speak with a medical professional for advice relating to your own specific situation.

Merkel Cell Carcinoma or MCC, is a less common type of skin cancer. It can be aggressive but it can be treated, especially when found at an early stage. In this episode we talk to three distinguished experts: Dr Michelle Goh is a consultant dermatologist, who has a special interest in complex skin cancers. Medical Oncologist Dr Wen Xu, is committed to clinical research with a strong interest in immuno-oncology, target therapies and drug development. A/Prof David Kok is a Radiation Oncologist and medical educator who works at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and the University of Melbourne. Make sure you share this episode with a friend or family member if you think they will get some value. The Spot On Podcast is brought to you by the Melanoma & Skin Cancer Advocacy Network (MSCAN) who are providing a new, innovative approach to tackle Australia’s national cancer. MSCAN engages with Australia’s leading clinicians, researchers and advocates with the aim of increasing the knowledge of those affected by a diagnosis. MSCAN is grateful to the clinicians interviewed in our podcast series. They have all provided their time and input freely and independently. The content discussed in these episodes is for information purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Please make sure you speak with a medical professional for advice relating to your own specific situation.

Ocular melanoma is a less common type of melanoma that can be found in different parts of the eye. It affects one in 6-8 million people, and like any melanoma or skin cancer, is better when diagnosed early. In this episode we delve into: To help us understand more about ocular melanoma, we're fortunate enough to speak with Dr Li-Anne Lim, an ophthalmologist and ocular oncologist, with a special interest in managing patients with cancer of the eye. We also speak with Professor Anthony Joshua, medical oncologist, and Chair of the Australian Ocular Melanoma Alliance. Make sure you share this episode with a friend or family member if you think they will get some value. Remember that all the content discussed in these episodes is for information purposes. Please make sure you speak with a medical professional for advice relating to your own specific situation. This podcast was brought to you by the Melanoma and Skin Cancer Advocacy Network - MSCAN, who are providing a new, innovative approach to tackle Australia's national cancer. For more information, visit MSCAN.org.au

Welcome to Series 3 of the Spot On podcast. In Series 1, we focused on the fundamentals of skin cancer, interviewing some of Australia's leading clinicians on the topic. In this season, we're focused more on the human side of a diagnosis. Series 2 we looked more on the human side of a diagnosis. In this series, we take a step back and look holistically at a skin cancer diagnosis – providing the answers to the questions many people have about looking after their mental health related to their skin cancer diagnosis. Dr Maria Ftanou is the Director of Psychosocial Oncology at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne. There are many aspects of living well after a diagnosis. In this podcast we focus particularly at how we can manage our anxious thoughts, and cope with uncertainty after being diagnosed with melanoma or skin cancer. The Spot On Podcast is brought to you by the Melanoma & Skin Cancer Advocacy Network (MSCAN) - who are providing a new, innovative approach to tackle Australia’s national cancer. MSCAN engages with Australia’s leading clinicians, researchers and advocates with the aim of increasing the knowledge of those affected by a diagnosis. MSCAN is grateful to the clinicians interviewed in our podcast series. They have all provided their time and input freely and independently. The content discussed in these episodes is for information purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Please make sure you speak with a medical professional for advice relating to your own specific situation.

Welcome to Series 3 of the Spot On podcast. In Series 1, we focused on the fundamentals of skin cancer, interviewing some of Australia's leading clinicians on the topic. In this season, we're focused more on the human side of a diagnosis. Series 2 we looked more on the human side of a diagnosis. In this series, we take a step back and look holistically at a skin cancer diagnosis – providing the answers to the questions many people have about looking after their mental health related to their skin cancer diagnosis. Dr. Eleanor De Ath-Miller is a registered psychologist with a Doctoral degree in clinical neuropsychology. She is a coach and consultant in private practice, and also works as a Senior Clinical Neuropsychologist at a public hospital in Melbourne. Eleanor is always looking for ways to make evidence-based health and wellbeing information more meaningful for individuals, leaders and teams, so they can tune into their bodies and minds, manage change and challenge, and do more of what matters in life. We look at how you may feel about a skin cancer diagnosis and ways to adjust, what are normal reactions to a diagnosis, how to manage stress and other coping strategies, and preparing the people around you. The Spot On Podcast is brought to you by the Melanoma & Skin Cancer Advocacy Network (MSCAN) - who are providing a new, innovative approach to tackle Australia’s national cancer. MSCAN engages with Australia’s leading clinicians, researchers and advocates with the aim of increasing the knowledge of those affected by a diagnosis. MSCAN is grateful to the clinicians interviewed in our podcast series. They have all provided their time and input freely and independently. The content discussed in these episodes is for information purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Please make sure you speak with a medical professional for advice relating to your own specific situation.

Welcome to Season 2 of the Spot On podcast. In Season 1, we focused on the fundamentals of skin cancer, interviewing some of Australia's leading clinicians on the topic. In this season, we're focused more on the human side of a diagnosis. MSCAN is thrilled to have renowned journalist Deborah Knight involved and interviewing patients about their journey with skin cancer and the road ahead. In this episode you will hear from Professor Alan Cooper; a Clinical Dermatologist himself, who was diagnosed with stage III melanoma which progressed to stage IV. In this episode, Alan is joined by his treating clinician - Professor Georgina Long. Professor Alan Cooper Professor Alan Cooper was diagnosed with stage III melanoma in 2013, and despite multiple surgeries and two trials of experimental treatment it progressed to stage IV. The melanoma eventually responded to a combination of radiation therapy and immunotherapy which commenced in early 2017. At the time of diagnosis, Alan was Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the Northern Clinical School of the University of Sydney, and Head of the Department of Dermatology at Royal North Shore Hospital. Over the years he has served in a number of capacities in The Australasian College of Dermatologists and has been involved in the training and assessment of medical students and dermatology advanced trainees. He supervised a research unit and was involved in fund raising for dermatology research through state, national and international foundations. Alan is a Director of MSCAN. Professor Georgina Long Professor Georgina Long is the Co-Medical Director of Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA), and Chair of Melanoma Medical Oncology and Translational Research at MIA and Royal North Shore Hospital, The University of Sydney. She leads an extensive clinical trials team and laboratory at MIA, with a focus on targeted therapies and immuno-oncology in melanoma. Professor Long is the author of over 370 peer-reviewed publications in clinical and translational research in melanoma.

Welcome to Season 2 of the Spot On podcast. In Season 1, we focused on the fundamentals of skin cancer, interviewing some of Australia's leading clinicians on the topic. In this season, we're focused more on the human side of a diagnosis. MSCAN is thrilled to have renowned journalist Deborah Knight involved and interviewing patients about their journey with skin cancer and the road ahead. In this episode, Deb speaks with Deborah Hutton, who has publicly shared her experiences with skin cancer. Deb has made her career as a fashion model, an editor of The Australian Women’s Weekly, a TV presenter, and entrepreneur. In this conversation, Deb openly shares her reflections on her experience with skin cancer and advice to all Australians when it comes to being skin serious.

Welcome to Season 2 of the Spot On podcast. In Season 1, we focused on the fundamentals of skin cancer, interviewing some of Australia's leading clinicians on the topic. In this season, we're focused more on the human side of a diagnosis. MSCAN is thrilled to have renowned journalist Deborah Knight involved and interviewing patients about their journey with skin cancer and the road ahead. In this episode you will hear from Jarryd Roughead who faced a diagnosis of advanced melanoma, and Dr Donna Milne from his treating team. Jarryd Roughead Jarryd is well recognised as an AFL superstar, and a very successful football career playing for Hawthorn. He’s also overcome advanced melanoma. Jarryd was first diagnosed with a melanoma on his lip in 2015. The melanoma was removed, and life continued along well. During a routine check-up in 2016, a scan showed that the melanoma had moved to his lungs. Jarryd was treated with immunotherapy. Despite some challenging side effects, the treatment worked. Jarryd Roughead’s journey of advanced melanoma is detailed in his book Roughy. Dr Donna Milne Donna is a registered nurse and has worked at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne since 2002. For the last 12 years Donna has worked as a clinical nurse consultant in the melanoma and skin service. More recently she has also taken on a nurse consultant team lead role and is part of the nursing leadership team at Peter Mac. Donna is also involved in national committees and advisory boards providing advice on patient resources, education for nurses and optimal care for patients with melanoma. Donna’s PhD investigated the perceptions of palliative care services held by people with advanced cancer. Her other research interests include understanding the needs and experiences of patients with melanoma receiving targeted and immune therapies and their family members.

Welcome to Season 2 of the Spot On podcast. In Season 1, we focused on the fundamentals of skin cancer, interviewing some of Australia's leading clinicians on the topic. In this season, we're focused more on the human side of a diagnosis. MSCAN is thrilled to have renowned journalist Deborah Knight involved and interviewing patients about their journey with skin cancer and the road ahead. In this episode you will hear from Doug Phayer, who has bravely faced non-melanoma skin cancer and Dr Patricia Terrill from Doug’s clinical team. Doug Phayer Doug was first diagnosed with skin cancer at age 50, and since then he has been through 23 surgeries, and radiation therapy to remove squamous cell carcinomas (SCC’s) from his body. Doug’s 23rd surgery was the biggest and the worst. It took 10 hours and he lost the left side of his face and his ear to the SCC. During this surgery, they found that his lymph nodes were full of cancer. The skin cancers continued to appear. Doug has been successfully treated with immunotherapy and is now back to one of his main passions – fishing! Dr Patricia Terrill (Tricia) Ms Terrill is a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. She trained in Victoria undertook further training in the UK. Since 1993, she has been a consultant Plastic Surgeon employed in both the public and private sectors. In public, she is employed by the Peninsula Health Care Network, being Head of the Plastic Surgery Unit at Frankston Hospital. She has held this role since 1996 and developed the unit from 2 single surgeons to a large unit now with 12 consultants and 6 registrars. In private she works at Peninsula Private Hospital. Patricia has an active surgical practice that includes a specialisation in skin cancer. She believes that full skin examinations are an essential part of skin cancer management.

Overview: In this episode, we cover the fundamentals and treatment of early stage melanoma. Speakers: Associate Professor Victoria Mar is the Director of the Victorian Melanoma Service at The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, and Adjunct Associate Professor at the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University. She is a board member of the Australian and New Zealand Melanoma Trials Group and the Skin and Cancer Foundation. She has authored and co-authored a number of chapters for the Cancer Council Australia Melanoma Guidelines and is Clinical Lead for the Melanoma Clinical Outcomes Registry. Emeritus Professor John Thompson was Chair of Melanoma and Surgical Oncology at the University of Sydney from 1999 to 2019 and was Executive Director of Melanoma Institute Australia from 1998 to 2016. He has been chairman of the Australian Melanoma Management Guidelines Working Party since 2005, and was chairman of the ANZ Melanoma Trials Group from 2002 to 2013. Professor Thompson has authored over 900 peer-reviewed scientific articles and book chapters and serves on the editorial boards of several major international journals. Topics Covered In This Episode: For More Information: The Spot On Podcast is brought to you by the Melanoma & Skin Cancer Advocacy Network (MSCAN) - who are providing a new, innovative approach to tackle Australia’s national cancer. MSCAN engages with Australia’s leading clinicians, researchers and advocates with the aim of increasing the knowledge of those affected by a diagnosis. MSCAN is grateful to the clinicians interviewed in our podcast series. They have all provided their time and input freely and independently. The content discussed in these episodes is for information purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Please make sure you speak with a medical professional for advice relating to your own specific situation.

Overview: In this episode, we learn about advanced melanoma; in particular stage III and IV melanoma, and the different kinds of gene mutations and why they are important. Later in the episode we will talk about different treatment options for melanoma. Speakers: Professor Grant McArthur is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and holds a Ph.D. in Medical Biology. He is the Executive Director of the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre and inaugural Lorenzo Galli Chair of Melanoma and Skin Cancers at the University of Melbourne. He is also Head of the Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Cancer Research, and a Senior Consultant Medical Oncologist, Cancer Medicine at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. Associate Professor David Gyorki is a consultant surgical oncologist at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, specialising in the management of patients with melanoma and soft tissue sarcoma. He is also the Research and Education Lead in Melanoma and Skin Cancer at the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre. Topics Covered In This Episode: For More Information: The Spot On Podcast is brought to you by the Melanoma & Skin Cancer Advocacy Network (MSCAN) - who are providing a new, innovative approach to tackle Australia’s national cancer. MSCAN engages with Australia’s leading clinicians, researchers and advocates with the aim of increasing the knowledge of those affected by a diagnosis. MSCAN is grateful to the clinicians interviewed in our podcast series. They have all provided their time and input freely and independently. The content discussed in these episodes is for information purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Please make sure you speak with a medical professional for advice relating to your own specific situation.

Overview: In this episode, we learn about Non Melanoma Skin Cancers (NMSC). What are the types of NMSC, what are the factors that contribute to having one, how are they detected and what are the treatment options? Speaker: Associate Professor Chris Baker AM is the Director of Dermatology at St. Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne. Associate Professor Baker trained at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne and St. Thomas’ Hospital, London. He is a fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists and the Royal College of Physicians (London) He has previously been Chief Examiner for the Australasian College of Dermatologists as well as a past president of the College. He is a Clinical Associate Professor at The University of Melbourne, co-founder of the Australasian Psoriasis Registry and also the Australian Representative on the Psoriasis Global Atlas project. Topics Covered In This Episode: For More Information: The Spot On Podcast is brought to you by the Melanoma & Skin Cancer Advocacy Network (MSCAN) - who are providing a new, innovative approach to tackle Australia’s national cancer. MSCAN engages with Australia’s leading clinicians, researchers and advocates with the aim of increasing the knowledge of those affected by a diagnosis. MSCAN is grateful to the clinicians interviewed in our podcast series. They have all provided their time and input freely and independently. The content discussed in these episodes is for information purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Please make sure you speak with a medical professional for advice relating to your own specific situation.

Overview: In this episode we learn what a clinical trial is, how they are developed and why they are so important. We also learn about participating in clinical trials, factors to consider and what the process is to get involved. Speakers: Prof Mark Shackleton is the Director of Oncology at Alfred Health, a Professor of Oncology at Monash University, a Victorian Cancer Agency Clinical Research Fellow and Chair of Melanoma and Skin Cancer Trials Ltd. After training in medical oncology and at the Ludwig Institute in Melbourne, he undertook PhD studies at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and postdoctoral work at the University of Michigan, USA. He has received several major prizes for his research, most recently a 2016 Victorian Cancer Agency Clinical Research Fellowship and in 2012, he was awarded the Australian Science Minister’s Prize for Life Scientist of the Year. Dr Megan Lyle is a Medical Oncologist with special interests in cancer immunotherapy, melanoma and other skin cancers and gastrointestinal malignancies. Dr Lyle works at the Liz Plummer Cancer Care Centre at Cairns Hospital, Response Oncology, Far North Day Hospital and Cairns Private Hospital. Dr Lyle also holds a senior lecturer position with James Cook University. Dr Lyle received her Fellowship from the Royal Australasian College of Physicians in 2013 having undertaken medical oncology advanced training in Newcastle, NSW. She subsequently completed a clinical research fellowship at Melanoma Institute Australia, Sydney in 2013-14. Dr Lyle is published in major international peer reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Topics Covered In This Episode: For More Information: The Spot On Podcast is brought to you by the Melanoma & Skin Cancer Advocacy Network (MSCAN) - who are providing a new, innovative approach to tackle Australia’s national cancer. MSCAN engages with Australia’s leading clinicians, researchers and advocates with the aim of increasing the knowledge of those affected by a diagnosis. MSCAN is grateful to the clinicians interviewed in our podcast series. They have all provided their time and input freely and independently. The content discussed in these episodes is for information purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Please make sure you speak with a medical professional for advice relating to your own specific situation.

2 out of 3 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70. In Australia there are over 1 million GP visits per year due to skin cancer. And skin cancer accounts for 80% of newly diagnosed cancers. We have the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world. So it’s time for Australia to get skin serious about our national cancer. The Spot On Podcast is a free resource that helps answer all the questions you have about skin cancer, and gives you the knowledge and support about the things you didn’t even realise you needed yet! In Season 1 of the Spot On podcast, we cover the fundamentals of skin cancer, having conversations with a number of leading clinicians and global experts on the treatment and diagnosis of melanoma and other skin cancers. We also cover some of the innovations and research about skin cancer that is taking place, which give us hope, as we look towards reducing the impact of skin cancer in Australia. This podcast will give you a baseline understanding and knowledge about skin cancer, and help navigate you through that journey ahead through diagnosis and treatment The Spot On Podcast is brought to you by the Melanoma & Skin Cancer Advocacy Network (MSCAN) - who are providing a new, innovative approach to tackle Australia’s national cancer. MSCAN engages with Australia’s leading clinicians, researchers and advocates with the aim of increasing the knowledge of those affected by a diagnosis. So, share this podcast with someone you know who might want to learn more or needs support on that journey of skin cancer diagnosis and treatment. Also make sure you follow the Spot On podcast on your favourite podcast player so you can hear new episodes as they are released, and check out mscan.org.au to learn more about the advocacy work going on to help get Australia skin serious.