“Melanoma is the third most common cancer in Australia, and it’s great to see more attention being given to it,” Carla said.
“With newer treatments like immunotherapy, there’s a lot of progress happening in the field.”
In her new role, Carla supports patients through all stages of their treatment, from referral and education to coordinating care and offering emotional support. She works closely with the wider clinical team to help ensure patients receive consistent and personalised care.
“I try to see every melanoma patient on active treatment who comes through our centre. If I can help make the experience a little easier or less overwhelming, then that’s what I’m here for,” she said.
Carla graduated from James Cook University and has been a registered nurse in Townsville since 2009. She joined Icon Group in 2016 and later completed further cancer nursing studies through the Australian College of Nursing.
Photo caption: Townsville local and registered nurse, Carla Gillespie, has taken on a newly created role at Icon Cancer Centre as the centre’s first Specialist Melanoma Nurse.
