The Melanoma and Skin cancer group provides the opportunity for scientific communicating between several quite different clinical, epidemiological and laboratory based groups interested in aspects of skin cancer.
Basic melanoma biology, epidemiology of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, dermatology and the surgical and medical management of melanoma are prominent interests. The clinical trials committee sponsors prospective clinical trials, particularly those involving multi-centre collaboration.
Membership enquiries
About the group
Objectives
Affiliations
Melanoma and Skin Cancer Group activities
Further information
Membership enquiries
To become a member all you need to do is to tick the Melanoma and Skin Cancer Group membership box on the COSA joining or renewal form each year. You do not have to be a member of the group to attend the seminars held at the COSA Annual Scientific Meeting each year. If you are interested in becoming a member, and receiving any emailed or surface mailed information then please forward your details with a brief request and your signature to:
The Secretariat
Melanoma and Skin Cancer Group
Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA)
GPO Box 4708
SYDNEY NSW 2001
Ph: (02) 8063 4100
Fax: (02) 8063 4101
Email: cosa@cancer.org.au
About the group
Members of the group come from diverse backgrounds, including surgery, dermatology, epidemiology, laboratory research, data management, nursing, medical oncology, palliative care and radiation oncology.
This embraces the management of melanoma and other skin cancers in a multidisciplinary framework – now internationally recognised as the standard of care for patients with cancer. This relies on co-ordination of treatment with dermatologists, surgical, medical and radiation oncologists, cancer nurses and palliative care specialists, together with input from diagnostic specialties such as pathology and radiology.
One of the main aims of the Melanoma and Skin Cancer Group is to cross discipline boundaries, not only in clinical care but also importantly in both clinical and laboratory research.
The Melanoma and Skin Cancer Group has about 50 members and meets to develop education and research trial opportunities in the clinical practice of the care of cancer patients, and foster both laboratory based and clinical research.
This occurs principally during the COSA Annual Scientific Meeting program, together with the main member(s) who organise the detailed program in the host city where the meeting is being held each year.
Chairman: Brendon Coventry – Surgery and Immunology
Past Chairman: Professor Peter Hersey and Professor Bill McCarthy
Executive Advisory Group
Peter Hersey – Medical Oncology and Immunology
Bruce Armstrong – Epidemiology and Population Health
Rick Kefford – Genetics
Stan McCarthy, Richard Scolyer, Peter Heenan –- Pathology
John Thompson – Surgery
John Kelly – Dermatology
Bill McCarthy – Surgery
Objectives
The focus and aims of the Melanoma and Skin Cancer Group include:
- education and professional development;
- comprehensive cancer care;
- multidisciplinary framework of care;
- research;
- solid foundations in the science and clinical management of cancers;
- clinical research facilitation, particularly in multi-centre clinical trials;
- cross-disciplinary education;
- voicing the needs and requirements of practitioners and patients;
- providing career pathways; and
- national and international collaboration.
Affiliations
We work actively with most other COSA groups and strongly encourage dual or multi-memberships. Members are also affiliated with international groups and societies.
COSA members communicate and participate in conferences and meetings internationally, and other key events. Members attend and are invited to many conferences to exchange and improve international knowledge on cancer research and care.
We also share combined interests with all other COSA groups, including Cancer Research, Nursing, Epidemiology, Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Breast Surgery and Gastrointestinal groups.
The Chairman holds a position with the COSA Council and can raise issues important to members where required, and participate in national and international agendas, and recommendations.
Melanoma and Skin Cancer Group activities
Education
Undergraduate medical education and curricular development in many Australasian medical schools is a key role of members of COSA. A major project has been the development of an Ideal Oncology Curriculum for Medical Schools with specific emphasis on the importance of sound undergraduate cancer education. This has provided useful advice for Australasian medical schools regarding appropriate oncology content and teaching.
Postgraduate education is of course the main emphasis of COSA activities through the Annual Scientific Meeting and other events.
Community education is another essential pursuit of Melanoma and Skin Cancer Group members to inform and educate the public on matters of importance in skin cancer care and prevention. This is performed using a variety of media and collaborative platforms, including Cancer Council Australia and government committees.
Outreach Services are a key function provided by many members of the Melanoma and Skin Cancer Group to country regions and remote areas to facilitate improved delivery of cancer care and education to regional Australia.
Professional development
Each year, there are diverse opportunities for professional development in numerous areas of cancer treatment, across the breadth of disciplines, specifically at the COSA ASM. In addition, there are workshops and courses provided through affiliated groups and societies nationally and internationally.
Our many links promote such exchanges and training.
Conferences
The main academic and educational activity is the COSA Annual Scientific Meeting held in November each year, where Melanoma and Skin Cancer Group members and distinguished visitors and others present research and other papers. These often have broad educational and scientific value for busy clinicians and researchers from many areas. Many members also attend national and overseas conferences to present their work to others and learn new information and approaches.
The World Congress on Melanoma-EADO Joint meeting will take place in Vienna, Austria, in May 2009. The meeting brings together distinguished scientists and clinicians from all over the world and may be of interest to COSA Members. For further information and conference details visit www.worldmelanoma2009.com
Advisory panels and bodies
Members of the Melanoma and Skin Cancer Group contribute to the development and design of cancer care in Australia, New Zealand and further abroad. Regular contribution by members to the COSA Council at the Annual COSA ASM and Government committees at several levels, provides input towards national cancer management strategies. Members also contribute to numerous National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) committees, including those developing and revising current NHMRC Practice Guidelines for many types of cancers, and through Government advisory panels.
Further information
For more details regarding this group or to become a member please contact us at: cosa@cancer.org.au.