
WHAT IS MELANOMA?
Melanoma is a type of cancer that starts in cells in the skin called melanocytes. These cells make a pigment called melanin which gives skin its natural colour. Melanin helps to protect the body from ultraviolet light (UV radiation) from the sun.
The most common sign of melanoma is the appearance of a new mole, a change in an existing mole or in other pigmented tissues, such as those found in the eye.
Click HERE for a full list of REFERENCES numbers listed throughout the site (nos.1-58)
For useful resources please see Melanoma UK
MELANOMA UK VIRTUAL MEET UP
Join the staff at Melanoma UK every Thursday at 20.00 pm for our regular virtual meetup.
The ability to ‘zoom’ everyone in at the same time is genius and during the COVID-19 crisis, it is vital to connect.
It’s a great opportunity to put faces to names, get to meet fellow patients, friends, and of course Team Melanoma UK.
We are here for you and these meetings will give you the reassurance that you are not alone when dealing with melanoma.
ZOOM meeting details will be posted every week on our website (see below) and will also be advertised on our social media platforms TWITTER and FACEBOOK
So pop the kettle on (or grab a glass of vino), get comfy, and join us for an hour. Whatever happens, you are guaranteed a laugh and we will hopefully brighten your week.
See you Thursday Gill & Di x
REGISTRATION: Click the button and register in advance for our meetings
For useful resources please see Macmillan Cancer Support.

For useful resources please see Cancer Research UK
Local support:
Due to COVID 19 this may be offered by phone or virtually.

Life doesn’t stop just because you’ve been diagnosed with cancer. Seeing friends, supporting family, and finding a way to pay the bills are still important, even if you’re living with a terminal diagnosis. You may have cancer, but you are still you, with a life to lead, friends to see, family who need you and people to love. Because life with cancer is still life, and we will help you live it.
Let’s Talk Hope
Practical help and support groups
Let’s talk Hope provides support to people who have had cancer or survived cancer, as well as their families and friends in a relaxed and friendly environment, support will be delivered by our purposely trained team. Our group meets on the last Saturday of each month between 10.30 – 12.30pm at Greets Green Access Centre, Tildasley Sreett, West Bromwich B70 9SJ. We also have a Facebook page, Let’s Talk Hope in Sandwell
Group supports everybody.
We offer:
- Befriending
- Cancer information materials
- Cancer information materials in other languages
- Counselling
- Information
- Internet use available
- Support from Health Professionals
- Written resources in other languages
Catchment area:
All of Sandwell
- Ameena Muflihi on 0121 525 3909 (Mon – Fri 9am to 5 pm)
- Letstalkhope@yca-sandwell.org.uk
Ideal for all Cancer Support Group
Practical help and support groups
Our group meets on the last Thursday of each month Between1:30-3:00pm at the Independent Living Centre, 100 Oldbury Road, Smethwick, B66 1JE. The support group is about meeting people, share experiences on topics you wish to talk about, treatment, families, work, benefits, transport, and relationships. We also invite Health Professionals to the group for talks and information sharing depending on the Support Groups request.
Ideal for all Cancer Support Group supports everyone affected by all cancers.
We offer:
- Befriending
- Information
- Internet use available
- Provision for learning difficulties
- Support from Health Professionals
- Veena Devi on Doreen Veale- 0121 556 7888 (0121 558 5555)
- v.devi@idealforall.co.uk
- www.idealforall.co.uk
The Sister’s Circle
Practical help and support groups
The group meets every 2 weeks at the Bangladeshi Women’s Association centre, Wellington Road, Tipton, DY4 8RS on Friday morning from 10.00 – 12.30. The Sisters Circle is made up of 10-15 ladies who meet and socialise to discuss and share their experiences around anxiety and depression and related health issues such as women’s health and cancer. We also have occasional speakers on different health-related issues.
Groups supports: Everyone
We offer:
- Befriending
- Cancer information materials
- Cancer information materials in other languages
- Information
- Spoken interpretation service
- Support from Health Professionals
- Written resources in other languages
- Salha Begum on 0121 557 6766 (Monday – Friday 9-5pm)
- Salaha@bwa-org.co.uk