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…

Advance Care Planning Australia Allied Health Professions Australia Australasian Association of Nuclear Medicine Specialists Australasian Chapter of Palliative Medicine, Royal Australia College of Physicians 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 Australian Society of Gynaecological Oncologists…

Patients who have undergone extensive pelvic and abdominal surgery, or who receive a multimodality treatment strategy for ovarian cancer, are at high risk of depression and heightened anxiety (Le et al. 2003). Regular screening for depression and anxiety specifically for these women is required. Strategies such as information provision, relaxation techniques and meditation (Kearney &…

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 Victoria, Commissioning and System Improvement Division, Cancer Unit National Cancer Expert Reference Group Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne Other stakeholders consulted…

Supportive care in cancer refers to the following five domains: the physical domain, which includes a wide range of physical symptoms that may be acute, relatively short lived or ongoing, requiring continuing interventions or rehabilitation the psychological domain, which includes a range of issues related to the patient’s mental health wellbeing and personal relationships the…

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…