A new Mater clinic is helping cancer survivors get their health and lives back on track.
Around 33,000 Queenslanders are diagnosed with cancer each year and, as treatment improves, the state’s post-cancer population continues to grow.
But beating cancer is often only the beginning of a new set of physical and psychological struggles for survivors of the disease.
More than 100 women recovering from breast and gynaecological cancers have so far been referred to the new Mater Statewide Cancer Survivorship Service, which has been established thanks to funding from the Mater Foundation and Tour de Cure.
The South Brisbane-based service is the first of its kind in Queensland, providing expert psychological, medical and peer support for public and private patients following the end of their active cancer treatment.
“Queensland has been behind other states when it comes to post-cancer care, but this multi-disciplinary service is closing that gap,” said Leilani Way, the service’s Clinical Nurse Consultant.
“Society expects cancer survivors to go back to how they were before, but they are still recovering and inside they may be struggling.
“Returning to full-time work can places huge stress on people, as does returning to the role of wife or mother.
“The physical, psychological and practical problems survivors face can be overwhelming.”
The Mater Statewide Cancer Survivorship Service develops personalised survivorship care plan for each patient, involving doctors, senior nurses, psychologists, pelvic health physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, dieticians and occupational therapists.
It will expand to support survivors of all cancer types, excepting blood cancers, next month (Sept.) and will soon provide statewide support via telehealth appointments.
Brisbane mum-of-two Maria Rossotti, 41, was among the first women to be use the new service after she underwent a double mastectomy, radiotherapy and chemotherapy at Mater following a stage 2 breast cancer diagnosis.
“When you’re in treatment you’re busy, you have appointments and then bang! – it all stops and you are left alone,” Ms Rossotti said.
“That’s when the hardest part comes. The side effects of cancer treatment – like insomnia or medically-induced menopause – stay with you even though the cancer has gone.
“The survivorship service is great because it’s a one-stop shop for expert support for all of these issues.
“You don’t have to live with effects cancer – there is help available.
“This should be the standard of care for all cancer survivors.”
Mater Foundation Chief Executive Andrew Thomas said the clinic’s creation was made possible thanks to funds raised by Mater Chicks in Pink appeal and Tour de Cure.
“Mater’s incredible connection with the community enables our doctors, nurses and clinicians to stay at the forefront of cancer care in Queensland,” Mr Thomas said.
“We are determined to provide the best possible support to patients through every stage of their cancer journey – through diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.”
For more information visit Mater Statewide Cancer Survivorship Service or contact:
Mater Statewide Cancer Survivorship Clinic
Mater Hospital Brisbane
Level 2, Duncombe Building
Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane QLD
Email: info.survivorshipclinic@mater.org.au
Phone: 07 3163 5200
