Psychosocial support and malignant melanoma

Abstract

The holistic care of patients with malignant melanoma requires psychosocial intervention. This paper provides an argument in support of this, based on research findings, clinical experience, demand and implications for the future. Strategies for providing psychosocial support are outlined with emphasis on a coordinated multidisciplinary approach, specialist nursing contributions and self-help. Recent innovations are described with recommendations for similar strategies to be employed in the prevention of disease and associated morbidity.

Malignant Melanoma

“…Considerable psychosocial stress may result from a tumor disease in general [Greer et al, 1979[Greer et al, , 1989Pettingale et al, 1988] and especially from malignant melanoma [Söllner et al, 1996[Söllner et al, , 1998[Söllner et al, , 1999Tilkorn et al, 1990;Augustin et al, 1997;Cassileth et al, 1982;Perkins et al, 1993]. Affective disorders occur in a considerable percentage of patients, but certainly not in all.…”