Cancer Support Services
Cancer Support Nurses
Phone: (03) 5722 5194
Monday to Friday – 9.00am to 5.00pm
Oncology Day Unit
Phone: (03) 5722 5194
Monday to Friday – 9.00am to 5.00pm
Breast & Gynaecological Cancer Support
Phone: (03) 5722 5473
Monday to Friday – 9.00am to 5.00pm
Cancer Wellness & Exercise Program
Exercise and supportive care program
Phone: (03) 5722 5523
Monday to Friday – 9.00am to 5.00pm
Cancer Support Nurses
Our dedicated team of cancer support nurses are located in the Oncology Unit at Northeast Health and can provide support and information to those who are affected by cancer. Our nurses embrace a philosophy of care that respects the individual needs and values of each client and offer a specialist service that includes;
- Supporting patients with cancer at any time after discharge
- Talking to families of people with cancer at any time
- Providing information and resources about cancer and cancer treatments to patients and their families
- Providing links to healthcare professionals and community services such as;
- social work
- dietetics
- psychology
- pastoral care
- breast care nurses
- lymphoedema therapy
- palliative care
- district nursing
- stomal therapy
Information, advice and support are always available by calling (03) 5722 5194 or just drop-in to the Oncology Unit located in the Community Care Centre on Clarke Street. View NHW Visitor Map
Oncology Unit
Our Oncology Unit provides chemotherapy and supportive treatments for people with cancer or other chronic illnesses. During your first visit, we will provide education about your treatment and any possible side effects that you may experience. Some treatments can take several hours, so you are welcome to bring a friend or family member along for company.
You should wear comfortable clothes with loose sleeves as most chemotherapy drugs are given through an intravenous (IV) drip.
It is a good idea to arrange for someone to drive you home after your first treatment. You might be able to drive yourself for subsequent treatments depending on how you feel.
Bring a list of your current medications including over-the-counter preparations such as vitamins, herbal or natural medicines.
Breast & Gynaecological Cancer
What is the Breast & Gynaecological Cancer Service?
The Breast and Gynaecological Cancer Service provides specialist care and support for people with breast and gynaecological cancers.
Care is provided by registered nurses with education and experience in all aspects of breast and gynaecological disease.
Our specialist Breast & Gynaecological Cancer Nurses provide you with personal and professional care that recognises that each person is an individual.
What does a Breast & Gynaecological Cancer Nurse do?
A Breast & Gynaecological Cancer Nurse is available to provide you and your family with support and information throughout your breast or gynaecological cancer journey. They can provide support and information about breast awareness and wellbeing for yourself or for the community.
A specialist Breast & Gynaecological Cancer Nurse is available to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about your diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
Our specialist nurses can:
- Provide information about breast and gynaecological awareness and health
- Answer questions and discuss concerns about common breast and gynaecological problems
- Supply written and verbal information about breast and gynaecological cancer
- Explain medical terms and provide the opportunity for you to discuss your treatment options
- Assist you to make informed decisions
- Liaise with your treatment team on your behalf
- Assist you in accessing breast prosthesis or wigs
- Provide information about transport and accommodation supports available
- Offer information about services and support groups available in the community
- Provide referral to specialist health professionals or other services when required
- Listen to you, your family and friends
How to access the Breast & Gynaecological Cancer Service
Anyone can contact the Breast & Gynaecological Cancer Service.
No referral is necessary
Clinical Nurse Consultants
Phone: (03) 5722 5473
Email: breast.care@nhw.org.au
Monday to Friday – 9.00am to 5.00pm (excluding public holidays)
Cancer Wellness & Exercise Program
Our Cancer Wellness and Exercise program is suitable for those who are currently having active treatment, have completed treatment or are on maintenance therapy. The eight-week group exercise and education program has been developed according to evidence which shows that exercise is a safe and effective therapy for the management of cancer.
This group-based program consists of exercise and education sessions designed to help you:
- Increase your fitness and strength
- Perform daily tasks
- Reduce treatment side-effects
- Learn how to cope with life now
- Connect with others
Call (03) 5722 5523 for more information or to register for the next 8-week program.
Education topics include:
- Survivorship and Exercise
- Exercise and Emotional Wellbeing
- Fatigue and Exercise
- Podiatry and Your Foot Health and Continence Care
- Healthy Eating and Healthy Wellbeing
- Recovery and Wellness, Relationships and Intimacy and Complimentary Therapies
- Life Management, Finances and Work
- Your GP, Your Health and Your Bone Health
- My Health and Local Services
