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. Developed in partnership with the Aim at Skin Cancer Foundation and supported by Regeneron, this educational initiative provides resources that bridge communication gaps and foster collaboration between oncologists and dermatologists. Sharing insights and developing joint strategies can ultimately improve the patient's experience throughout their care journey with advanced non-melanoma skin cancer.

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

Care Coordination for Advanced Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers
[Podcast] Ep 161

In this podcast episode, Emily Smith, MD, associate professor of Dermatology at St. Louis University School of Medicine, speaks on best practices for early referral from dermatology and how to identify high-risk patients.
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