The multidisciplinary team may include the following members: care coordinator (as determined by multidisciplinary team members)* gynaecological oncologist* medical oncologist* nurse (with appropriate expertise)* pathologist with expertise in gynaecological oncology* radiation oncologist* radiologist* Aboriginal health practitioner, Indigenous liaison officer or remote general practitioner clinical trials coordinator dietitian exercise physiologist fertility specialist general practitioner geneticist and…

People who identify as sexually or gender diverse may have unique needs following a cancer diagnosis. Sexually or gender diverse identities include (but are not limited to) people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, collectively ‘LGBT’. There is no universally agreed upon initialism to describe this community, with other terms such as queer/questioning…

A diagnosis of cancer may present additional challenges to women 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, women who are known to have a mental…

In general, women from lower socioeconomic groups are at greater risk of poor health, have higher rates of illness, disability and death, and live shorter lives than those from higher socioeconomic groups (AIHW 2016). Women experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage are less likely to participate in screening programs, more likely to be obese, less likely to exercise…

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 August 2015. This edition June 2021. ISBN: 978-1-76096-153-4…

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

Associate Professor Orla McNally (Chair), Consultant Gynaecological Oncologist, The Royal Women’s Hospital and The University of Melbourne Associate Professor Peter Grant, Gynaecological Oncologist, Mercy Hospital for Women and The University of Melbourne Dr Mahesh Iddawela, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Alfred Health and Latrobe Regional Hospital Dr Christopher Steer, Medical Oncologist, Border Medical Oncology and University of…

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…

Associate Professor Orla McNally (Chair), Consultant Gynaecological Oncologist, Director of Gynaecological Oncology and Dysplasia Unit, The Royal Women’s Hospital, The University of Melbourne Ms Jan Antony, consumer representative Ms Sara Elkas, consumer representative Associate Professor Peter Grant, Gynaecological Oncologist, Mercy Health Ms Genny Green, Social Worker, Mercy Health Mahesh Iddawela, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Goulburn Valley…

Complementary therapies may be used together with conventional medical treatments to support and enhance quality of life and wellbeing. They do not aim to cure the patient’s cancer. Instead, they are used to help control symptoms such as pain and fatigue (Cancer Council Australia 2019). The lead clinician or health professional involved in the patient’s…