Cancer service

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kills cancer cells and may be given via different routes. It targets rapidly dividing cells and can work throughout the whole body. Chemotherapy may be used before or after surgery or radiotherapy or concurrently with radiotherapy.

At MQ Health, chemotherapy is given in our Oncology and Infusions Centre. This is a modern centre that is open from 8am-4:30pm Monday to Friday. We specialise mainly in cancer treatments but also treat a variety of other conditions including Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and neurological conditions. Patients are treated in comfortable recliner chairs and have access to a kitchenette stocked with food and drinks. Patients are supported through treatment by our team of specialised chemotherapy nurses. The centre also uses scalp cooling technology to help with retaining hair during chemotherapy. Not all patients are offered this option so you should discuss this with your oncologist prior to starting treatment.

Chemotherapy may be delivered directly into an affected organ and is given in our angiography or operating suite.

Further information on chemotherapy can be found here

Immunotherapy works by either boosting the immune system to work against the cancer or by removing barriers to the immune system attacking the cancer. It is a more targeted therapy and has different side effects to traditional chemotherapy. Sometimes it is used in combination with chemotherapy.

Immunotherapy is also given in our Oncology and Infusions Centre.

Further information on immunotherapy can be found here

Radiotherapy uses high energy x-rays to damage and kill rapidly dividing cancer cells and can reduce the cancer size, relieve pain and other symptoms of cancer.  Radiotherapy is often given once a day Monday to Friday over a number of weeks. This is to achieve the best result with least amount of side effect. Radiotherapy is a very localized treatment and there will only be side effects in the area treated.  People who are working usually can continue to work and are NOT radioactive whist having treatment.

At MQ Health, radiotherapy is provided by GenesisCare.

GenesisCare have been providing high quality radiation oncology services at Macquarie University Hospital for 10 years.  Beginning in 2010, GenesisCare has introduced a number of cutting edge techniques to the service. Starting with IMRT, VMAT radiotherapy and gamma knife radiosurgery, recently introducing stereotactic ablative body therapy (SABR) for lung and metastatic cancer patients.  Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH) for breast patients and wide field skin VMAT treatment for patients with extensive skin cancer involving their limbs. We have also developed partnerships to support holistic care for patients with MQ allied health, in particular with the ALERT program to research lymphoedema; its causes, prevention and treatment for patients requring lower limb radiotherapy.

Across NSW, more than 200 doctors, nurses, engineers, physicists, radiation therapists and practice support team members deliver radiation therapy and medical oncology at eleven locations across the state: St Vincent’s Clinic, Sacred Heart at St Vincent’s, Macquarie Hospital, Mater Hospital, Newcastle, Albury/Wodonga, Hurstville, Concord, Kingswood, St Leonards and Frenchs Forest. In 2020, GenesisCare in NSW has expanded its comprehensive cancer care services, including theranostics and medical oncology, and an MR Linac.

Globally, the organisation employs more than 5,500 highly trained physicians, healthcare professionals and support staff across Australia, Europe, and now the U.S. This follows our acquisition of major U.S. integrated oncology provider 21^st Century Oncology in May 2020.

Every year GenesisCare clinical teams see more than 400,000 people at more than 440 locations. For cancer treatment, that includes more than 300 locations in the U.S., 38 locations in Australia, 14 in the UK and 21 in Spain, with more than 30 new centres under development. Our purpose is to design care experiences that get the best possible life outcomes. We believe that care should be focused on the individual, not the condition, and are proud of our world-class patient satisfaction ratings. For more information visit www.genesiscare.com

Further information on radiotherapy can be found here

Some cancers grow in response to particular hormones in the body. Hormone therapy is used to block this effect and help to reduce the growth and spread of the cancer cells.

Further information on hormone therapy can be found here

Surgery is performed by a surgeon to remove the cancer from the body via an operation. It may be used to diagnose, remove, prevent or relieve symptoms of cancer and can be used in combination with chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiotherapy. Surgery may be open or laparoscopic and at MQ Health, we have access to robotic assisted surgery that uses small incisions with robotic arms providing more dexterity and precision leading to better patient outcomes. Not all patients may be suitable for this option so you should discuss this with your surgeon.

Further information on cancer surgery can be found here

Clinical trials provide patients access to the latest and most innovative technologies. Our MQ Health clinical trials unit participates in national and international studies.

Further information on clinical trials can be found here and MQ Health Clinical Trials Unit information can be found here

Below is a selection of websites providing helpful information about cancer.

Australian websites

• Cancer Council NSW
• Cancer Council Australia
• Healthdirect Australia provides health information and advice both online and by phone (1800 022 222)
• eviQ Cancer Treatments Online an online service of the Cancer Institute of NSW
• Genesis Cancer Care provides essential radiotherapy services with centres at St Vincent’s Hospital, Macquarie University Hospital, the Mater Hospital and Lake Macquarie Private Hospital.
• Lab Tests Online a public resource on clinical lab testing from the laboratory professionals who do the testing

International websites

• MedlinePlus links to health information chosen by the National Library of Medicine in the United States
• UpToDate® offers hundreds of patient information about the most common medical conditions and procedures.Searching in UpToDate is easy. Enter your search topic e.g. prostate cancer. Click on the Search icon to start your search.
• JAMA Patient Pages — a tool to assist in effectively communicating medical information to patients:
• Mayo Clinic — easy to read patient care and health information
• National Cancer Institute — information on Cancer Types and Cancer Topics from the
• National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) — guidelines for Patients gives cancer treatment information in easy to understand language, listed by cancer type
• Macmillan Cancer Support

Find words and terms

• Medical Dictionary Online
• Medterms Medical Dictionary
• Understanding Medical Words
• Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia
• ABC Health and Wellbeing (Conditions: Cancer)
• NCCN Dictionary

• Australian Institute of Health & Welfare (AIHW) — Cancer: risk factors, survival rates and number of cases.
• Cancer Council Australia — Cancer in Australia Facts and Figures as well as patient fact sheets including lifestyle, early detection and post-diagnosis.
• Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) — Profiles of Health, Australia – Cancer provides an overview of people’s health in Australia, using various ABS surveys on key health topics.
• National Cancer Institute (NCI) — Cancer Stat Fact Sheets from the NCI in the United States
• World Health Organisation (WHO) — Cancer Fact Sheet shows global health trends
• World Cancer Research Fund International — WCRF International – Cancer statistics shows how cancer varies around the world in numbers, rates and types of cancer.

• Cancer Council NSW — support for patients, families and friends coping with cancer.
• Cancer Council Australia — Connect with others like you. The Cancer Council Online Community offers forums, blogs, and online support groups for people affected by cancer, their carers, and families.

Macquarie University Life After Cancer program

Macquarie University Cancer Program and MQ Sports have joined forces to provide a new timetabled gentle aqua aerobic class for cancer survivors. Learn more: Hydro therapy for cancer survivors

There is often a sense of uncertainty and feelings of anxiety when a cancer diagnosis is received. Even when given the all clear some survivors may feel anxious about what the future holds. At the Centre for Emotional Health Clinic we can provide psychological support to lessen unhelpful thoughts and teach skills for mental well being. More about the Centre for Emotional Health Clinic

NSW action and support groups

• Lymphoedema Support Group of New South Wales includes patients stories in a publication Lymphoedema Stories – The Untold Truth.
• Cancer Voices NSW provides the voice of people affected by cancer and is the peak coalition for NSW cancer consumer groups.

Support groups for young people affected by cancer

• CanTeen – the Australian organisation for young people living with cancer supports young people when cancer turns their world upside down and helps them cope with the physical, emotional and practical impact of living with cancer.
• Redkite provides essential support from hospital to home, with financial assistance, information and counselling, and education support for children and young people (0–24 years) with cancer, and the families and friends who support them.
• Macmillan Cancer Support — cancer info for teens and young adults. Find out about cancer types, treatments and living with cancer as a teen or young adult. This information has been written specifically for you and reviewed by other young people with cancer.

Podcasts

• The Thing about Advanced Cancer — Information and insights for challenging times

Whether you are living long term with advanced cancer, you are facing end-of-life, or you are caring for someone with advanced cancer, this podcast series has information and insights that can help you navigate through these challenging times.

• The Thing about Cancer — Information and insight for people affected by Cancer

How do people cope after a cancer diagnosis? What do all the tests mean? Will treatment leave you foggy-headed? Does cancer always cause pain? Hosted by broadcaster Julie McCrossin, this podcast from the NSW Cancer Council seeks to answer all of these questions and more.

• Finding Calm During Cancer —  Meditation and Relaxation people affected by Cancer

In the Finding Calm During Cancer podcast, join psychologist Dr Lisbeth Lane as she guides you through a series of meditation and relaxation practices.