Cancer (Oncology)

Our cancer specialists are supported by a multi-skilled team

St Vincent’s Private Hospitals offer a wide range of Cancer (Oncology) related services, for details of the Cancer (Oncology) services at your local St Vincent’s Private Hospital, click here.


At St Vincent’s Private Hospitals we advocate a personalised approach to cancer treatment.

At St Vincent’s Private Hospitals we offer a personalised, holistic and evidence-based approach to your cancer treatment. This person-centred approach focuses on you as an individual, with your goals and wishes at the forefront of the decision-making process. We know that there’s no one-size-fits-all with cancer.

There are many types of cancers and many different ways people respond to treatment. People also have their personal priorities regarding their journey and the outcomes they hope for from cancer treatment. Our person-centred approach will identify the most effective and appropriate treatments for you, and we will work with you on a plan that incorporates your goals.

Cancer

Our cancer specialists

Many of Australia’s leading cancer specialists practice at a St Vincent’s Private Hospital. We have cancer specialists with interests and expertise in all types of cancer. They are supported by a compassionate team of specialist nurses and allied health professionals available to assist in your treatment and wellbeing, to ensure you receive the best level of care, support and education.

Our cancer specialists have close links with research institutes where novel cancer therapy options may be available to you. Our clinical trials nurses will be on hand to help you navigate your way through your cancer journey.

Many heads are better than one

It takes teamwork to defeat cancer and your treatment will be discussed by our multidisciplinary team. This is a group of health professionals from different backgrounds who meet regularly. It may include such medical experts as cancer surgeons, medical oncologists, haematologists, radiation oncologist, pathologists, radiologist and specialist nurses. Your team may also include pastoral carers and social workers.

This collaborative approach allows the team to meet regularly to discuss all the treatment options relevant for you. They will strive to develop a personal treatment plan with the most appropriate treatment and supportive care for you. This ensures that the approach to your care is both holistic and realistic.


A team of surgeons and nurses poses in an operating theatre

Our cancer services

Please check your relevant hospital below for their specific services. **Not all services are available at all hospitals.

Day infusion services

Across multiple sites, our day infusion services specialise in the care and support of people receiving therapies used for the treatment or management of cancer, as well as chronic illness.

These services are staffed by a dedicated professional group of nurses, with a wealth of expertise and skill. They are experienced with a variety of central venous access devices and cannulation. Our teams understand that it’s a challenging time for you and have a warm, supportive and collaborative approach to your care.

Cancer care coordinators/clinical nurse consultants

Coordination of your care is a critical element of our person-centred care approach and ensuring optimal cancer outcomes. At the Mater Hospital, North Sydney we have McGrath breast cancer care consultants and cancer care coordinators. These specialist practitioners support and guide you through your cancer journey both clinically and logistically.

Breast cancers

Accustomed to caring for people with breast cancers, our team of experienced health professionals works closely with you and your family to provide outstanding breast cancer services in a supportive environment.

Bowel (colorectal) cancers

We offer minimally invasive surgery as well as robotic technology to treat complex colorectal cancers.

Lung cancers

Our team of specialists collaborate to assess, diagnose and recommend treatment options to achieve the very best surgical and medical outcomes for people with lung cancer.

Prostate and urological cancers

We treat cancers associated with the kidney, bladder, prostate and more. Our expert surgeons employ the latest laparoscopic and robotic techniques when performing surgical treatment for urological cancers.

Other cancers

We also have doctors who specialise in treating haematological malignancies, pancreatic, endocrine, thyroid and parathyroid cancers as well as melanoma and other skin cancers, sarcomas, soft tissue malignancies and gastrointestinal tumours. 

Not all services are available in all hospitals.


Disclaimer

This information is of a general nature, which may not be relevant to you. Any surgery or invasive procedure carries risk. We encourage you to speak with your doctor about your condition.

Find a hospital near you offering cancer treatment

At St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside, we are especially committed to delivering excellent care, pursuing cutting-edge research and embracing new and emerging technologies and therapeutics to ensure we remain at the forefront of medicine in Australia, as well as abroad.

We have specially trained health professionals that deliver high quality services in cancer.

Your GP can refer you to one of our cancer specialists.

Find details of our cancer specialists here

Contact Us

A multidisciplinary approach

At St Vincent’s Private Hospital, Sydney, we have an experienced and compassionate team who are available to assist in your treatment and wellbeing to ensure you receive the best level of care, support and education. This team is supported by onsite pharmacists, dietitians and our pastoral care team to provide holistic care throughout your journey.

We offer a wide range of treatments and therapies for cancers including, but not limited to:

  • Breast cancer
  • Lung cancer
  • Brain cancer
  • Prostate cancer
  • Kidney cancer
  • Bowel cancer
  • Stomach cancer
  • Skin cancer, and
  • Colorectal cancer

Medical oncology

Our medical oncologists deal with the diagnosis and management of cancer, in close collaboration with surgical and radiation oncologists, palliative care, geneticists and haematologists.

Surgical oncology

Our Department of Surgical Oncology cares for people with a broad range of tumour types including:

  • Breast cancer
  • Thyroid cancer
  • Sarcoma
  • Melanoma
  • Soft tissue cancers
  • Neuroendocrine cancers
  • Gastrointestinal stomal tumours

The surgeons work closely with specialists in medical oncology, radiation oncology, plastic and reconstructive surgery and cancer genetics to provide multidisciplinary care. Our aim is to provide excellence in cancer care from early diagnosis to ongoing management and follow up.

Your GP can refer you to one of our cancer specialists.

Find details of our cancer specialists here

Contact Us

Our cancer care team comprises surgical oncologists, medical and radiation oncologists and haematologists, as well as experts in pathology and nuclear medicine. Joining them are experienced oncology nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, social workers, allied health team, pastoral and spiritual carers and breast care consultants.

The cancer care team meets weekly or fortnightly, depending on the cancer type, for individual case discussion.

McGrath breast care nurse consultants

Our breast care nurses work to inform, organise, empower and support you and your family from the time of diagnosis and throughout treatment.

Pastoral and spiritual carers provide holistic spiritual and emotional care and support.

Social worker

You will have access to a social worker who can help you with your mental and emotional wellbeing.

Where you will receive your treatment

The Patricia Richie Centre is a 12-chair private cancer and ambulatory care service staffed by a dedicated nurses with a wealth of expertise.

The Patricia Richie Centre provides:

  • Infusions (e.g. chemotherapy, immunotherapy, non-cytotoxic antineoplastics)
  • Scalp cooling to help prevent hair loss, during chemotherapy treatment
  • Blood transfusions, iron infusions
  • Medical Infusions (e.g. for gastroenterology)

We also provide

  • Comfy chairs
  • Pillows and blankets
  • Food and beverages
  • A Cancer Council information hub
  • Access to Wellness Centre (opening spring 2020)
  • An oncology pharmacy
Your GP can refer you to one of our cancer specialists.

Find details of our cancer specialists here

Contact Us

For over 100 years, St Vincent's Private Hospital Melbourne is dedicated to the delivery of high quality patient care. We work in partnership with our patients and their families to take a compassionate and holistic approach to healthcare.

Our experienced team of clinical professionals, caregivers and support staff are equipped to provide the highest level of surgical, medical and therapeutic services. We work together to ensure your safety, wellbeing and the best possible outcome.

Your GP can refer you to one of our cancer specialists.

Find details of our cancer specialists here

Contact Us

Day infusion service
Our Day Infusion Service, specializes in the care and support of patients receiving day medical therapy (usually by IV infusion), often used for the treatment or management of cancer or chronic illness.

The Day Infusion offers patients the convenience of a day treatment service in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Our specialised service has trained registered nurses who can deliver all types of infusions. Our staff members are highly qualified in chemotherapy and haematology. They are experienced with a variety of central venous access devices and cannulation.

We have 7 reclining chairs to keep you comfortable throughout your treatment. We offer free wifi and encourage you to bring your laptop or iPad to keep you entertained during your treatment.

We offer a wide variety of food and drinks during your treatment. If you have any dietary requirements or food allergies, please contact our unit the day before your treatment to arrange an alternative suitable option.

Education and assessment
Qualified staff will arrange personalised education sessions about your treatment and the potential side effects you may experience. We encourage you to bring a support person to ask questions and learn with you.

Prior to each treatment, one of our expert staff members will assess your health, and discuss any concerns you have.

Our staff
At St Vincent’s Private Hospital, Fitzroy we have a compassionate team of registered nurses, reception staff, oncologists, haematologists, medical specialists, and allied health professionals available to assist in your treatment and wellbeing to ensure you receive the best level of care, support and education.

Your GP can refer you to one of our cancer specialists.

Find details of our cancer specialists here

​Contact Us

What We Offer

  • Blood transfusions
  • Chemotherapy
  • Haematology procedures

Day infusion service

Our day oncology unit and infusion centre specialises in providing personalised and holistic care for people receiving cancer treatment and their families.

We have specially trained chemotherapy and oncology staff members to help you with your treatment. They’re highly qualified in cannulation and using a variety of central venous access devices.

Our unit offers reclining chairs to keep you comfortable throughout your treatment. There’s free wifi and we encourage you to bring your laptop or iPad to keep you entertained during your treatment.

We offer a wide variety of food and drinks during your treatment. If you have any dietary requirements or food allergies, please contact our unit the day before to arrange an alternative suitable option.

Education and assessment

After you receive your diagnosis of cancer, our staff will arrange personalised education sessions explaining your treatment and the side-effects you might experience. We arrange for you to visit and meet our team before your treatment. We encourage you to bring a support person, who can help in asking questions and understanding any concerns you might have.

Before each treatment, one of our expert staff members will assess your health, and discuss any concerns you have.

Our staff

We have a compassionate team of oncologists, haematologists, medical specialists, and allied health professionals available to assist in your treatment and wellbeing to ensure that you receive the best level of care, support and education.

Your GP can refer you to one of our cancer specialists.

Find details of our cancer (oncology) specialists here

Contact Us

Better and fairer care. Always.

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