The WA Kirkbride Melanoma Advisory Service (WAKMAS) is a multidisciplinary advisory service providing expert, evidence-based recommendations for the management of complex, advanced or metastatic melanoma. Cases are reviewed by a panel of melanoma specialists with advice provided to referring clinician.
Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of melanoma after biopsy of the lesion that is greater than or equal to 0.8mm or alternatively has a nomogram risk >5% are eligible to be reviewed/ discussed at WAKMAS.
The WA Kirkbride Melanoma Advisory Service provides expert information and advice to you and your doctor on your melanoma diagnosis and management from a multidisciplinary panel of experts who consider each patients individual circumstances.
The Western Australian Cancer and Palliative Care Network’s Model of Care mandates multidisciplinary team (MDT) review for clinically complex cutaneous melanomas to ensure optimal management. WAKMAS is the only MDT providing this service.
Established in 2000 as a joint initiative between the West Australian Department of Health and St John of God Hospital Subiaco, WAMAS was created as an outpatient service based at SJOG Subiaco. WAMAS went on to become a critical pillar of the health system, offering vital support and advice to melanoma patients and their families.
The Kirkbride Melanoma Centre (formerly the Scott Kirkbride Melanoma Research Centre) was established in Scott’s memory by family and friends following his death from melanoma at just 27 years old.
In 2018 the Western Australian Melanoma Advisory Service (WAMAS) merged with the Kirkbride Melanoma Centre to create the WA Kirkbride Melanoma Advisory Service.
A donation will allow dedicated melanoma researchers at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research to continue their work to better understand melanoma and find new treatments, to help keep families together for longer.
This service is free of charge for all referred patients
Patient cases discussed at WAKMAS on average per year through referral pathways to the melanoma advisory panel – Learn More
Multidisciplinary team meetings per year held every 2nd or 3rd Monday – Learn More
Melanoma survival has improved from 88-90% in the late 1980’s-1990s to 94% today.
