About 60,000 people in NSW will be diagnosed with cancer this year. Many people will be cured but the diagnosis is still very frightening.
You may have been just diagnosed with cancer or be well into your treatment, or you may be the carer, family member or friend of a person with cancer.
At the Sydney Cancer Centre we take a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, bringing together a wide range of skilled doctors, nurses and allied health professionals. For our patients, this means access to the very best treatments and experts available, as well as comprehensive information and support, all delivered within the one integrated cancer care plan.
Here are some helpful hints from those who have been through the same experience.
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Try to keep a positive outlook. Any cancer diagnosis is a challenge. Remember every person’s experience with cancer is different and stories you hear may not apply to your situation.
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Take a family member or friend with you, if possible, when you see your oncologist.
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Write down information in a notebook such as the date and reason for an appointment. You may need this information to look at later or when you are talking to family members or for insurance and government forms.
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Make a help list - things that would be helpful to you or your family, for example making a meal, or driving the kids to a hockey practice or swimming lesson. Then, when someone says, “How can I help?” you can look through your list. You, and the person offering to help, will both benefit. Friends and family may want to help but need to know how they can help!
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You may want a “second medical opinion” We would like to reassure you that it is all right to raise the question of a second opinion with your Doctor at a regular appointment at the Centre.
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Phone the Sydney Cancer Centre Info-Line on 02 9515-6677 and your local Cancer Council NSW office on 13 11 20. They will explain to you what services are available to you both at the Sydney Cancer Centre and more widely throughout the state.
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Tell your oncologist (cancer doctor) how much information you want. If you do not understand anything, please say so. When your need for information changes, let our staff know this as well.
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We recognise that you will want to have information about your cancer, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Our staff can direct you to resources that may be of assistance through your diagnosis and treatment.
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Informed Consent Before your treatment starts, your Doctor will talk to you about your diagnosis, your options for treatment and the side effects of treatment so that you may give informed consent. You can change your mind at any time or ask for more information from members of your treatment team to make sure that you have made the best treatment decision for you.
After Hours Medical Care
If you require medical care after hours, please phone or go to your local Emergency Department, and advise them of your current treatment and diagnosis. If you need to contact your oncologist, refer to the contact us page or telephone the hospital switchboard on 9515 6111.
Interpreter Services
If you need an interpreter for yourself or a family member, please tell your doctor, nurse or another member of the healthcare team. Sign language interpreters for the deaf/hard of hearing and spoken language interpreters for non-English speakers will be arranged at no cost.
The following pages provide information on the range of services available at the Sydney Cancer Centre as well as practical things like finding us and accessing information about cancer. We hope that you find what you need.
Please contact the Sydney Cancer Centre Info-Line if you require more information.
Sydney Cancer Centre Info-Line 02 9515 6677
