Cancer care in Hunter New England

Calvary Mater Newcastle 

Calvary Mater Newcastle Medical Oncology Unit is one of the busiest adult cancer treatment facilities in NSW for medical oncology consultations, and treatment with intravenous chemotherapy, immunotherapy and hormonal therapy for all types of cancers.

Medical oncologists work within multidisciplinary groups (including radiation oncologists, surgeons, haematologists, palliative care physicians, nursing and allied health professionals) bringing together a wide range of skilled professionals to deliver the best current available care for cancer patients within one integrated cancer centre.

Find out more about Calvary Mater Newcastle Medical Oncology Unit.

North West Cancer Centre

The North West Cancer Centre is part of the Tamworth Hospital and provides medical oncology services to patients from the North West and New England regions of NSW.

Calvary Mater Newcastle

Calvary Mater Newcastle’s Department of Radiation Oncology is NSW’s largest regional specialist radiation therapy centre. We offer world-class radiation therapy using precision technology to deliver the best available treatment to you.

The department is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of radiation oncologists, radiation therapists, radiation oncology, medical physicists, nursing and allied health specialists who work together to ensure you receive the best possible care and treatment.

Find out more about Calvary Mater Newcastle Radiation Oncology Unit.

North West Cancer Centre

The North West Cancer Centre (NWCC) is part of the Tamworth Hospital and provides oncology services to patients from the North West and New England regions of NSW. This includes radiation oncology. The centre opened its doors in 2013 and since then has treated hundreds of patients. While the Tamworth Medical Oncology Service has been running for many years (in smaller facilities), radiation oncology was not available in the North West prior to the centre opening.

Having services offered in Tamworth has meant less travel for regional patients, but around 45 per cent of patients still travel more than 100km to receive care at the NWCC. 

Our dedicated accommodation facility 'Inala House' provides a home away from home for those patients who require long courses of treatment.

The Hunter New England Centre for Gynaecological Cancer is a specialist service providing coordinated and individualised care for women undergoing investigations and treatment for gynaecological cancers.  This includes cancer of the ovary, uterus, cervix and vulva.

Our team consists of three gynaecological oncologists specialised in the complex surgical management of gynaecological cancers. They are supported by a clinical fellow who is a doctor who has completed their training in gynaecology and is undertaking further specialised training, and a registrar who is a doctor gaining further surgical experience.

A clinical nurse consultant supports women and their families while coordinating care and follow up treatment. Patients also have access to a cancer care coordinator and clinical psychologist to provide additional support and information.

The unit is involved in research projects at a local, national and international level with the aim of improving outcomes for all women diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer.

The Haematology Unit at Calvary Mater Newcastle sees patients from the Hunter region, however some referrals are also received from outside the local area.

We provide a comprehensive service including:

• management of bone marrow malignancies including acute leukaemia, chronic leukaemia, multiple myeloma and lymphoma treatment and investigation of bone marrow failure states, for example anaemia, neutropaenia and thrombocytopaenia
• treatment and diagnosis of acquired and inherited bleeding and thrombotic disorders
• peripheral blood stem cell transplantation
• a consultation service to all hospitals in the Hunter New England Local Health District and all Hunter Area Pathology Service/Pathology North partners.

Find out more about Calvary Mater Newcastle Haematology Unit.

Calvary Mater Newcastle’s Head and Neck Cancer Support Group was established in July 2010 as a means of providing further support to head and neck cancer patients in the Newcastle and Hunter area.

The group meets on the 4th Wednesday of every month and is facilitated by allied health professionals working within this area, and provides both education and peer support.

Calvary Mater Newcastle undertakes planned (elective) and unplanned (emergency/non–elective) surgical procedures. Many surgical procedures are now undertaken in a day surgery setting, meaning patients are admitted and discharged in a single day.

Surgical specialties at Calvary Mater Newcastle include:

• breast surgery
• general surgery
• thoracic surgery
• melanoma surgery

Find out more about Calvary Mater Newcastle surgery and day surgery services.

A range of surgical outpatient services are provided at Calvary Mater Newcastle, including:

• surgery clinics
• general surgery – such as hernia repairs, gall bladder removal
  • breast cancer surgery
  • upper gastrointestinal surgery
• melanoma unit clinic
  • appointments for patients with a diagnosis of melanoma
  • patients that require surgery 
  • patients that can have minor surgery as an outpatient
• breast reconstruction clinic
• McGrath breast care nurse clinic
• stomal Therapy Wound Management
• wound clinics. 

Find out more about Calvary Mater Newcastle surgical outpatient services.

At Calvary Mater Newcastle, a Medical Centre provides clinics for a range of outpatient services, including:

• Medical oncology
• Radiation oncology
• The Wig Service

A referral is required by a GP, hospital, specialist or healthcare provider. Call (02) 4014 3190.

Cancer is not often thought of immediately as a cause for a child not feeling well, having a cold that they can’t seem to shake or unexplained bruising or fatigue. Most children who have common symptoms such as these don’t have cancer.

For children who have symptoms such as the above or any other health issues that won’t go away, a check-up at your child’s GP is advised.

If your child’s GP does request additional tests and the results are not normal, they may be referred to the Children’s Hospital for specialist review.

One of our Paediatric Oncologists will meet with you and your child and likely request further tests to confirm a diagnosis.

After diagnosis your doctor will discuss treatment options with you and agree on a treatment plan.

Once a child is diagnosed with cancer, admission and treatment begins very quickly, for families still coming to terms with a diagnosis the amount of information being absorbed may at times feel overwhelming. All staff in the treating team are there to assist you through the process.

The three main types of cancer treatment for childhood cancers are chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery.

When a child is receiving cancer treatment, their entire treatment journey can be intense and emotionally draining. The end of treatment brings a sense of relief for families.

The end of treatment though does not usually mark the end of visit to your specialist. For a period of time your child will still have blood tests or scans to ensure everything is on track, before moving to long-term follow up to ensure they are developing normally as they continue to grow. Some side-effects of cancer treatment are not known until many years later.

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL)

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) is a cancer that affects white blood cells (lymphocytes). ALL is the most common childhood cancer, accounting for the majority of childhood cancer diagnosis each year.

Once ALL develops in a child, it develops quickly, which usually means diagnosis also occurs quickly (within days or weeks). Anaemia, unexplained bruising, frequent and repeated infections, along with bone pain are all symptoms of ALL.

There are multiple types of ALL, however broadly these can be grouped in ALL developing in B-cells or ALL developing in T-cells.

As ALL progresses quickly, treatment often begins almost immediately following diagnosis. Treatment for ALL will usually involve chemotherapy and steroids, which is broken into three phases, remission induction, consolidation therapy and maintenance therapy. Treatment for ALL usually takes 2 – 3 years.

Resources for patients and families:

• Leukaemia Foundation - Talking to children about blood cancer
• Download Joe has leukaemia - written for children aged 4-7 years

Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML)

Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) occurs in the bone marrow, affecting specific white blood cells called myeloid cells. With AML there is an overproduction of abnormal cells, which crowd out the normal cells, resulting in the body not being able to produce enough red blood cells, normal white cells and platelets. This also means a child with AML will have a harder time fighting off infection. AML is more common in older adults than children.

AML develops quickly, which usually means diagnosis also occurs quickly (within days or weeks). Anaemia, unexplained bruising, frequent or repeated infections, bone pain, swollen lymph nodes, chest pain and abdominal discomfort are all symptoms of AML.

AML is not a single disease, there are a number of sub-types, which sub-type is dependent on which white blood cell has become cancerous (determined through a bone marrow biopsy. Sub-types of AML include, Acute Monocytic Leukaemia, Acute Myelocytic Leukaemia, Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia (APML) and Acute Megakaryocytic Leukaemia.

Chemotherapy is the main course of treatment for AML, however a bone marrow or stem cell transplant may also be required. Treatment for AML is broken into three phases, remission induction, consolidation therapy and maintenance therapy. Initially a child will be in hospital for one month for one to two rounds of chemotherapy, with the goal of remission before moving to the next phases of treatment.

Resources for patients and families:

• Leukaemia Foundation - Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Lymphomas

Lymphomas occur in cells called lymphocytes. In children and young people there are two main types of lymphomas that occur, Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Lymphomas are third most common cancer in children, more common in adolescents.

The difference between the two is Hodgkin lymphoma present with unusually large B cells (Reed-Sternberg cells), however non-Hodgkin lymphomas do not.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is the more common of the two lymphomas, presenting in a similar way to leukaemia. A child will usually present with a large lump with no symptoms, however as the disease progresses fever and weight loss may be seen. There are different types of NHL, which include Burkitt lymphoma, Lymphoblastic lymphoma, Anaplastic large cell lymphoma, Large B-cell lymphoma.

Hodgkin lymphoma more commonly occurs in adolescents than young children. HL usually begins in the lymph nodes in one area of the body, before spreading to other parts of the lymphatic system. Young people with HL usually present with a number of symptoms, including painless swelling of the lymph nodes, fatigue, fever, night sweats, itchy skin or a cough.

Generally for both lymphomas chemotherapy is the main course of treatment. Additional treatments that may be required in radiation therapy, surgery or a stem cell transplant.

Resources for patient and families:

• Leukaemia Foundation - Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• Leukaemia Foundation - Hodgkin lymphoma
• Download Tom has Lymphoma - written for children aged 4-7 years

Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is a rare cancer that begins in the nerve tissue of young children, almost always affecting children, usually occurring in the first five to six years of life.

A Neuroblastoma will usually start in the abdomen, in the tissues of the adrenal glands, where nerve cells called neuroblasts are most commonly found, however it can also first develop around the spinal cord, in the chest, neck or pelvis.

Symptoms of Neuroblastoma are usually dependent on where the tumour is growing. Symptoms may include an abdominal mass (felt or seen), difficulty breathing, uncontrolled leg or eye movements, unexplained bruising and fevers, weakness or paralysis, constipation or difficulty urinating.

Treatment may involve a combination of therapies, such as chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.

Resources for patients and families:

• Download: Neuroblastoma - information and support for parents
• Download Lucy has a tumour - written for children aged 4-7 years

Rhabdomyosarcoma

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a cancer that originates in the soft tissues of the body, such as the muscles, which means it can occur anywhere in the body. The most common form of the cancer is Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma, usually occurring in children under six years of age.

While there is no known cause for rhabdomyosarcoma, it is thought that some forms of the cancer may begin developing in the foetus, as rhabdomyoblasts are foetal cells that will mature and develop into muscles. A chromosomal abnormality or genetic mutation is also usually seen.

Symptoms may vary between children and may not present until the tumour is quite large. Symptoms might include feeling or seeing a mass, bleeding in the nose, vagina or rectum, constipation, bulging eyes and headaches.

Treating rhabdomyosarcoma usually first involves surgery to remove as much of the tumour as possible, followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The approach to treatment though is dependent on where the tumour is located.

Resources for patients and families:

• Sarcoma in children - Children's Cancer Institute

Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is a very rare cancer of the eye, most commonly found in children under five years of age. The cancer occurs in the retina, a thin light-sensitive lining of the eye. Retinoblastoma is genetic, however the cancer may be hereditary, or more commonly non-hereditary. It can occur in one or both eyes.

Hereditary tumours usually develop when the child is younger, while non-hereditary tumours usually develop when the child is slightly older and normally in one eye.

Retinoblastoma symptoms most often begin to appear before the age of two and are often found during a routine baby health check. Noticeable symptoms may include a red pupil instead of black, misaligned eyes (looking at the ear or nose), change in vision or painful and red around the eyes.

When treating retinoblastoma, one goal is to preserve the child’s vision if the cancer has not spread. Small tumours can be treated with cryotherapy (extreme cold), thermotherapy (extreme heat) or plaque radiotherapy (radioactive plaques sewn into the back of the eye and then removed once the radiation is delivered). Larger tumours may require chemotherapy and removal of the eye.

Resources for patients and families:

• Retinoblastoma - Children's cancer

Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is the most common form of childhood bone cancer, which often occurs in adolescence and during a growth spurt. The cancer most commonly occurs in bones of the arms or legs, however may also occur in the pelvis, spine, or rarely in the jaw or other parts of the body.

Like many childhood cancers there is no known cause, however children who have had hereditary retinoblastoma or previously had chemotherapy or radiotherapy are at an increased risk of developing this cancer. Broken bones or damage to the bone are not a cause of osteosarcoma, however an injury may draw attention to the cancer.

Children and young people with osteosarcoma usually don’t appear unwell and symptoms may vary. Symptoms may include pain or tenderness at the site of the tumour and progressively worsens over time, swelling at the tumours site, limping if the leg is affected, decreased movement of the affected limb.

Treatment may involve a combination of the therapies, including surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. If the cancer is in its early stages, every attempt is made to save the affected limb, however if this is not possible amputation may be required.

Ewing sarcoma

Ewing sarcoma is a rare cancer of the bone or soft tissue that can affect children, adolescents and young adults. Teenagers are more commonly diagnosed with this cancer, which often originates in the hip bones, ribs, long bones in the legs and arms.

The exact cause of Ewing sarcoma is not known and there are no risk factors or preventable measure for the cancer, however chromosomal changes that occur after birth may lead to the cancers formation. Ewing sarcoma is not inherited.

Symptoms of Ewing sarcoma may include pain and swelling around the tumour site, limping if the leg is affected, fever, weight loss, fatigue and a decreased appetite.

Treatment for Ewing sarcoma may include chemotherapy alone, or in combination with surgery and radiotherapy. What treatment a child requires is determined by the location and progression of the disease.

Resources for patients and families:

• Bone tumours - Children's cancer

Medulloblastoma

Medulloblastoma is one of the most common forms of brain tumour in children, with brain tumours the second most common cancer in childhood behind leukaemia. Medulloblastoma is a neuroectodermal tumour that starts in the cerebellum at the back of the brain called the posterior fossa.

The cerebellum, where this cancer grows, is the part of the brain that controls balance, coordination and other motor functions, which is why some symptoms may include a lack of coordination and problems with motor skills, along with headaches, seizures, nausea and vomiting, fatigue and double vision.

It most commonly occurs in toddlers and children under 10, however may occur at any age.

Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy may be used as standalone therapies or in combination. During the treatment process steroids and anticonvulsants may be used to reduce swelling and prevent fitting, however they do not treat the tumour.

Gliomas

Gliomas are brain tumours that originate from cells that support brain neurons called glial cells.  Gliomas are also called astrocytomas and may slow growing (low grade) or fast growing (high grade).

A determination about the tumours grade is made by viewing the abnormal cells under a microscope, which shows how quickly the tumour will likely grow and spread. Types of gliomas include pilocytic astrocytoma, optic pathway gliomas and pilomyxoid astrocytomas.

Symptoms of a glioma may include headaches, vomiting, vision problems, balancing, seizures, sleepiness, confusion, clumsiness and changes in behaviour.

Treatment will likely first include surgery to remove as much of the tumour as possible. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy may then follow. If a tumour is located in a sensitive part of the brain chemotherapy and radiation may be used instead or prior to surgery.

Resources for patients and families:

• Childhood brain tumours - Cancer Council NSW
• My child has a brain or spinal tumour - A guide for parents
• Brain cancer - Children's Cancer Institute
• Download Mary has a brain tumour - written for children aged 4-7 years