The role of the Breast Care Nurse

A diagnosis of breast cancer can be very frightening and many will have concerns about body image, self-esteem, sexuality and the impact on relationships. There can be significant financial impacts on the woman and her family and uncertainty over the future. Many women who have breast cancer, feel helpless and powerless. The psychological impact of …

Shining the spotlight on breast cancer

In 2020, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimates that a total of 19,998 Australian women and 170 Australian men will be diagnosed with breast cancer. That’s roughly 55 Australians who will receive a new diagnosis each day. The positive news is that most people survive breast cancer and go on to live long, …

How can you help a newly diagnosed cancer patient?

Hearing a friend or family member has been dealt a cancer diagnosis can mean you are struggling with your own emotional response, as well as wondering how you can effectively communicate and help that person.  Both emotional and practical support can be a huge help for anyone newly diagnosed with cancer but sometimes it’s hard …

Checking in on prostate health

In Australia, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. Around 3,500 men die of prostate cancer each year, which is higher than the number of women dying of breast cancer.

Trial treating stomach cancer

St John of God Murdoch Hospital is the only hospital in Western Australia conducting a trial investigating a new combination of immune-based treatments to treat metastatic gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer. Lead Investigator Professor Kynan Feeney says the study is testing the effectiveness, safety and tolerability of a combination of new immunotherapy drugs. “We are …

Stomach cancer uncommon but often deadly

Professor Kynan Feeney from Oncology West says stomach cancer is comparatively uncommon in our community but we should be aware of its symptoms as it is a common cause of cancer death. “Abdominal pain, weight loss and black stools are associated with stomach cancer but they are also indicators of other issues such as ulcers …

Pancreatic cancer: ‘A silent disease’

Pancreatic cancer is an abnormal growth of cells within the pancreas. It is a deadly condition with poor outcomes, and the number of people diagnosed across the country is ever increasing. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth-leading cause of cancer-related death in Australian men and the fifth-leading cause in women, with an overall five-year survival rate …

Lung Cancer – Not Always a Smoker’s Disease

Lung cancer is the fifth most common cancer in WA; nine per cent of cancers in WA are cancer of the lung.¹ In 2014, there were approximately 800 deaths due to lung cancer in WA, and more than 1100 new cases. Although Australia’s rates of smoking are low when compared to the rest of the …

Revolutionary Approach to Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Staging

Until recently, lung cancer diagnosis and determining a patient’s stage of cancer relied on CT and PET scans, as well as a biopsy, which often required an invasive operation. Interventional Pulmonologist Matt Salamonsen from Murdoch Chest says the introduction of Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) has revolutionised the field of respiratory medicine. “EBUS is a non-surgical procedure …

Videos To Support Patients Through Cancer Treatment

Advances in cancer care have led to dramatic improvements in survival rates over the past three decades. Now more than 66 per cent of Australians with cancer survive more than five years. With these improvements in treatments, however, come challenges for people who live with complex and debilitating side effects from combinations of therapies and …