Care Coordination for Patients with Advanced Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers

Timely diagnosis and treatment for patients with advanced non-melanoma skin cancer is key to improving outcomes and quality of life for this patient population. The broad range of cancer types that fall under the non-melanoma designation include basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas (by far the most common presentation), as well as Merkel cell carcinoma, cutaneous lymphomas, cutaneous adnexal tumors, and Kaposi sarcoma. With each expression of non-melanoma skin cancer displaying distinct clinical manifestations and requiring different treatment strategies, effective care coordination between oncologists, dermatologists, and all members of the multidisciplinary care team is vital to achieving prompt diagnosis and treatment. Early referrals are an essential component of high-quality care for advanced non-melanoma skin cancers.

To support earlier referrals and better patient outcomes, the Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) endeavors to facilitate productive relationships between the oncology and dermatology care teams. In partnership with the Aim at Skin Cancer Foundation and with support by Regeneron, ACCC has launched an educational initiative to bridge existing communication gaps and promote collaboration. The program seeks to put oncologists and dermatologists in conversation with each other to share insights and develop strategies that will improve the experience of patients at every turn in their journey with advanced nonmelanoma skin cancer.

For more information on this project, please contact the ACCC Provider Education department.