A diagnosis of cancer may present additional challenges to people who have pre-existing chronic mental health or psychiatric concerns, resulting in exacerbation of their mental health symptoms. This may include heightened anxiety, worsening depression or thoughts of self-harm. As poor adjustment and coping can affect treatment decisions, people who are known to have a mental…

Professor John Seymour (Chair), Director, Department of Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and The Royal Melbourne Hospital Dr Phillip Campbell, Head of Haematology, Barwon Health Dr Duncan Carradice, Haematologist, Western Health Dr Geoff Chong, Medical Oncologist, Austin Health, Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre Ms Tracey Dryden, National Lymphoma Coordinator, Leukaemia Foundation Ms Jane Farrow, Senior…

The multidisciplinary team may include the following members: Aboriginal health practitioner, Indigenous liaison officer or remote general practitioner care coordinator (as determined by multidisciplinary team members)* exercise physiologist fertility specialist haematologist/medical oncologist* nurse (with appropriate expertise)* pathologist* radiation oncologist* radiologist/imaging specialists* clinical trials coordinator dietitian exercise physiologist general practitioner nuclear medicine physician occupational therapist palliative…

Professor John Seymour (Chair), Haematologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Dr Michael Dickinson, Haematologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Ms Tracey Dryden, Nurse Consultant, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Associate Professor Eliza Hawkes, Medical Oncologist, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre, Austin Health and Eastern Health Ms Helena Rodi, Project Manager, Advance Care Planning Australia Professor Robert Thomas, Special Advisor…

Alfred Health Cancer Australia Cancer Council Victoria, Strategy and Support Division Cancer Institute New South Wales Concord Repatriation General Hospital New South Wales Consumer representative Department of Health and Human, Health and Wellbeing Division Services, Cancer and Aged Care Unit National Cancer Expert Reference Group Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre St Vincent’s Hospital…

Our thanks to the following health professionals, consumer representatives, stakeholders and organisations consulted in developing this optimal care pathway.

Advance Care Planning Australia Allied Health Professions Australia Australasian Association of Nuclear Medicine Specialists Australasian Chapter of Palliative Medicine, Royal Australia College of Physicians Australasian Leukaemia and Lymphoma Group Australian and New Zealand Society of Neuroradiology Australian and New Zealand Society of Palliative Care Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre Australian College of Nursing Australian Medical Association…

In recent years, adolescent and young adult oncology has emerged as a distinct field due to lack of progress in survival and quality-of-life outcomes (Ferrari et al. 2010; Smith et al. 2013). The significant developmental change that occurs during this life stage complicates a diagnosis of cancer, often leading to unique physical, social and emotional…

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to the land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures and to Elders past, present and emerging. This work is available from the Cancer Council website. First published in May 2015. This edition published in June 2021.…

The rarity and complexity of childhood cancer provides a real challenge in delivering optimal care. Despite overall survival rates of more than 80 per cent (Cancer Australia 2015b), treatments for paediatric cancer are often prolonged and complicated and have a narrow therapeutic index. High-quality evidence-based care is required not only to deliver therapy and supportive…