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Cancer Services

Cancer Treatments

Systemic therapy

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells. Sometimes only one drug is used. In ‘combination chemotherapy’, a number of drugs may be given at the same time.. Chemotherapy may be used before or after surgery or radiation therapy, or together with radiation therapy.

The most common way to deliver chemotherapy is via a drip in to a vein (intravenous), but chemotherapy can also be given as tablets or capsules that can be swallowed (oral chemotherapy). Other methods of giving chemotherapy also exist but are less common.

Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy is used to treat cancers that are sensitive to our body’s hormones, such as oestrogen and testosterone. Hormonal therapy is typically used to treat prostate cancer, some breast cancers or other gynaecological cancers. It may be used with other treatments such as chemotherapy, targeted therapies or radiation therapy.

Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy is drugs that specifically target cancer cells and block the signals that tell them to grow. Some cancers are suitable for targeted therapies and some are not. If the cancer type is known to be responsive to targeted therapies, the medical oncologists will send a tumour sample for testing to determine if it would potentially respond to targeted therapies before prescribing this type of treatment.

Some targeted therapies are used in combination with chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy, and with or without radiation therapy. Sometimes they are used by themselves.

Radiotherapy

The booklets below outline a range of radiotherapy information for patients, families and carers.

Radiotherapy information for patients, families and carersPDF Document Radiotherapy information for patients, families and carers (1.31 MB)

The Central Coast Cancer Centre, located at Gosford Hospital, provides the community with the best possible holistic care – close to home and without the need to travel to Sydney or Newcastle. Radiation oncology services are bulk billed through Medicare, which means no cost to patients.

 

DIBH coverPDF Document Deep Inspiration Breath Hold technique for patients with left sided breast cancer (460 KB)

The Deep Inspiration Breath Hold technique offers advantages for treating left sided breast cancer. In this technique, patients are asked to hold their breath for 20-30 seconds during radiotherapy planning and every day for treatment.

 

Radiotherapy for anal cancersPDF Document Radiotherapy for anal cancers (788 KB)

This booklet should be read along with the ‘radiotherapy information for patients, families & carers’ booklet which contains information about our staff and the services available at the Central Coast Cancer Centre.

 


Radiotherapy for breast cancerPDF Document Radiotherapy for breast cancer (623 KB)

The Central Coast Cancer Centre offers the latest advancements in breast radiotherapy treatment.

This booklet should be read along with the ‘Radiotherapy information for patients, families and carers’ booklet, which contains information about the services and staff available at the Central Coast Cancer Centre.

 

Radiotherapy for head and neck cancer coverPDF Document Radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (810KB)

The Central Coast Cancer Centre offers the latest technological advancements combined with comprehensive and supportive care for patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy treatment. The service is supported by many health professionals including radiation oncologists, clinical nurse practitioners, dietitians, speech pathologists and a dental team.

 

Radiotherapy for lung cancerPDF Document Radiotherapy for lung cancer (684 KB)

The Central Coast Cancer Centre offers the latest technological advancements combined with a comprehensive supportive care service for patients undergoing radiotherapy treatment for lung cancer. This booklet should be read along with the ‘Radiotherapy information for patients, families and carers’ booklet.

 

Radiotherapy for oesophageal cancerPDF Document Radiotherapy for oesophageal cancer (1.09 MB)

The Central Coast Cancer Centre offers the latest technological advancements combined with a comprehensive supportive care service for patients undergoing radiotherapy treatment for oesophageal cancer. This booklet should be read along with the ‘Radiotherapy information for patients, families and carers’ booklet.

 

Radiotherapy for rectal cancerPDF Document Radiotherapy for rectal cancer (784 KB)

The Central Coast Cancer Centre offers the latest technological advancements combined with comprehensive and supportive care for patients undergoing radiotherapy treatment for rectal cancer. This booklet should be read along with the ‘Radiotherapy information for patients, families & carers’ booklet.

 

 

 

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