Updated on August 17, 2026.
Metastatic cancer is cancer that has spread from its initial location to one or more additional locations in the body.
Melanomas are cancers that begin in pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. In most cases, melanoma refers to melanoma skin cancer, though there are non-skin melanomas. Other types include ocular melanoma (that originates in the eye) and mucosal melanoma (which occurs in mucus membranes inside areas like the airways, intestines, and genitals. These types are less common than melanoma skin cancers.
Metastatic melanoma refers to a melanoma skin cancer that has spread from the initial tumor. Sites where metastatic melanoma commonly spreads to include other areas of the skin, lymph nodes, bones, lungs, the liver, and the brain.
A cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, requiring a person to cope with distress, uncertainty, physical changes to their body, and concerns about family, finances, and other important parts of their life while making decisions about their health and treatment.
Metastatic melanoma presents some unique challenges. Treatment is often a multi-step process that involves several different types of therapy. While drug therapies have advanced considerably, side effects, drug resistance, and recurrence remain significant challenges.
Everyone diagnosed with metastatic melanoma can benefit from having a good support network in place.
Building your support network
A support network is a network of people who can provide help where and when you need it.
This can mean practical help, assisting with things like transportation, meals, managing the household, or errands. It can also mean emotional support, like having someone to talk to about your diagnosis, or calling a friend when you want to talk about anything other than your diagnosis.
You’ll likely need different types of support at different times, and there will be different people in your life who are better at providing certain types of support.
A support network can include friends and loved ones, members of your healthcare team, and support groups.
Friends and loved ones
Friends and loved ones are often the basis of a support network when living with cancer. Spend some time thinking about the types of support you need, who you can reach out to, and when you can reach out.
Also spend some time thinking about the types of help you do not need. People may reach out with ideas, but those ideas may not always align with what you need or want.
Your healthcare team
Your healthcare team is there to support you and to help you understand what type of support you’ll need during treatment. For example—how frequently you’ll need to come in for appointments, how you can expect to feel while recovering from a specific treatment, and steps you can take to reduce the risk of side effects. Having this information ahead of time can help you arrange support when you need it most. Ask questions, voice concerns, and be honest.
Oncology social worker
If you aren’t already, consider working with an oncology social worker. Oncology social workers are licensed professionals who help people with cancer and families navigate the diagnosis, treatment decisions, finances, and access to resources. Oncology social workers can also provide counseling.
Psychosocial support
In addition to oncology social workers, counselors, mental health professionals, and spiritual or religious advisors can help you cope with the psychological, emotional, and social challenges of living with cancer. They can also benefit caregivers, family members, and loved ones.
Support groups
Consider participating in a support group or an online community for people who are living with metastatic cancer. Ask your healthcare team or oncology social worker if they can recommend a support group. You can also check with organizations such as the Melanoma Research Foundation and the American Cancer Society.
