Cancer care in Western Sydney

The Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre Westmead is based at Westmead Hospital, and serves a large area across western Sydney, which is home to more than 1 million people.

Opened in 2007, the Centre brings together cancer research, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and recovery in one place.

Our care

Teams of cancer specialists work together to plan the best care for each patient. This means you benefit from many expert opinions without needing to see every specialist.

We also help train future doctors and health professionals through our links with the University of Sydney and Western Sydney University.

Our services

• Consultations for new and ongoing care.
• Chemotherapy, immunotherapy and other infusional treatments.
• Radiation therapy, including brachytherapy.
• Blood and cell therapy, including transplants.
• Palliative and symptom care.
• Genetic counselling for families.
• Mental health and emotional support.
• Access to clinical trials and research programs.

Our specialties

• Familial cancer and genetic testing.
• Gynaecological, medical, surgical and radiation oncology.
• Haematology and cellular therapies.
• Palliative and psych-oncology care.
• Translational oncology research.

Learn more about The Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre Westmead.

We provide coordinated cancer care for patients and carers through a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and allied health professionals.

About the centre

Our centre offers a full range of outpatient cancer services in one location. Patients receive medical, surgical and supportive care designed to meet their individual needs.

The centre features Australia’s first chemo lounge, a comfortable space where patients can rest during chemotherapy. It also includes a welcoming reception area, treatment rooms, counselling and education spaces, and dedicated parking with a separate entry.

The centre’s design was shaped by people with lived experience of cancer, who helped create a calm, supportive environment for patients and families.

Learn more about Blacktown Cancer and Haematology Centre.

The Mt Druitt Palliative Care Unit is a 16-bed inpatient facility that also offers outpatient and after-hours nursing services. Our multidisciplinary team provides compassionate care and support for people with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

Our services

• Inpatient and outpatient palliative care.
• Home visits by social workers, bereavement counsellors and occupational therapists.
• After-hours telephone support for patients.
• Symptom control, pain management and end-of-life care.

Our service supports people with both cancer and non-cancer conditions.

We work closely with palliative care teams at Nepean, Springwood, Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Blacktown and St Joseph’s Hospital Auburn.

Service fees

All inpatient and outpatient services are bulk billed.

Please bring your Medicare card and any private health insurance details when you attend.

Learn more about Mt Druitt Palliative Care Unit.

Westmead Hospital’s Familial Cancer Service (WFCS) provides genetic counselling and germline genetic testing to individuals affected by cancer to aid with treatment decisions and to families with a strong family history of cancer. 

WFCS works to help families with a strong history of some types of cancer to reduce their risk of developing the disease. We provide risk management clinics to individuals who require ongoing medical management for high risk inherited cancer predisposition syndromes.

How to refer

Referrals are required and should be addressed to Dr Abi Ragunathan, Dr Christina Girgis or Dr Shweta Srinivasa.

Email: westmeadfcs@health.nsw.gov.au

Fax: (02) 8890 9217

Post: Familial Cancer Service, The Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre Westmead, PO Box 533, Wentworthville NSW 2145

View referral criteria and instructions.

Contact us

Phone: (02) 8890 6947

Fax number: (02) 8890 9217

Email: westmeadfcs@health.nsw.gov.au

The Familial Cancer Service is based at Westmead Hospital. Appointments are held in the Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre (CPMCC) and the Breast Cancer Institute (BCI) at Westmead Hospital, Block F Level 1 - Entrance 6.

Resources for patients

• Centre for Genetics Education - Genetic and inherited conditions information
• NSW Health genetic services and your privacy
• Information Booklet for Genomic Testing
• Inherited Cancers Australia – Patient support and advocacy
• Cancer Council - Cancer information and support
• Breast Cancer Network Australia
• Westmead Breast Cancer Institute
• Surgery and breast reconstruction information
• Ovarian Cancer Australia
• NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia
• Canteen (for 18-25 year olds)
• Life insurance products and genetic testing in Australia
• GeneEqual - easyread health booklets

Resources for health professionals

• Referral guidelines
• EviQ Cancer Genetics – Referral guidelines, risk management, and inherited cancer info
• iPrevent – Breast cancer risk assessment and management decision support tool
• COSA Guidelines – Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines
• COSA guideline for medications to lower breast cancer risk
• RACGP update on breast cancer prevention (May 2025)
• Cancer Institute NSW
• Cancer Council Victoria
• Cancer Australia

What is a Multidisciplinary Tumour Program (MDT)?

A Multidisciplinary Tumour Program (MDT) is a coordinated team of specialised doctors and health professionals who work together to manage cancer care. Each MDT focuses on specific cancer types and meets regularly to review individual cases and plan treatment in line with the latest international best practice.

Who’s involved in an MDT?

Depending on the cancer type and available services, an MDT may include:

Medical specialists

• haematologist
• medical oncologist
• radiation oncologist
• specialist surgeon
• general surgeon
• supportive and palliative care specialist
• specialised cancer care nurse
• pathologist
• radiologist
• general practitioner (GP)

Allied health professionals

• nutritionist
• occupational therapist
• physiotherapist
• psychologist
• speech pathologist
• social worker

Other experts

• psych-oncologist (specialist in psychological and social aspects of cancer)
• familial cancer specialist / genetic counsellor
• research scientist
• clinical trials coordinator.

All medical specialists must meet specific criteria to participate in an MDT.

What happens at an MDT Meeting?

MDT members meet regularly to discuss new or relapsed cancer and haematology cases. They review all relevant tests, scans, and clinical information provided by the referring doctor. Together, they determine the most effective, personalised treatment plan for each patient.

Benefits of MDT Care

Patients referred to an MDT are more likely to:

• Receive accurate diagnosis and staging.
• Be offered a range of treatment options from multiple experts.
• Experience better coordination and continuity of care.
• Be treated in line with local policies and national guidelines.
• Receive consistent, appropriate information.
• Have psychological and social needs considered.

The Cancer Institute NSW endorses MDT care as a key component of best practice in cancer treatment and supports MDT meetings as a vital strategy for delivering coordinated, high-quality care.

All types of cancer patients are welcome to attend any of our treatment facilities with a referral from their general practitioner or treating specialist.

Westmead Multidisciplinary Tumour Programs

• Westmead Breast Cancer Institute MDT Program – Canrefer
• Western Sydney Colorectal Cancer MDT Program – Canrefer
• Western Sydney Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer MDT Program – Canrefer
• Western Sydney Gynaecological Cancer MDT Program – Canrefer
• Western Sydney Head and Neck Cancer MDT Program – Canrefer
• Western Sydney Leukaemia MDT – Canrefer
• Westmead Liver Cancer MDT Program
• Westmead Lung Cancer MDT Program
• Western Sydney Lung Cancer MDT Program – Canrefer
• Western Sydney Lymphoma MDT Program – Canrefer
• Western Sydney Melanoma MDT Program – Canrefer
• Westmead Melanoma MDT Program
• Western Sydney Neurological Cancer MDT Program
• Western Sydney Sarcoma MDT Program – Canrefer
• Western Sydney Thyroid MDT Program – Canrefer
• Western Sydney Genitourinary Cancer (Urology) MDT Program
• Western Sydney LHD Urological Cancer MDT Program - Canrefer

Blacktown Multidisciplinary Tumour Programs

• Blacktown Breast Cancer MDT Program – Canrefer
• Blacktown Lung Cancer MDT Program – Canrefer
• Blacktown Lung Cancer MDT Program

The Westmead Centre for Gynaecological Cancer is one of 6 units in NSW dedicated to the treatment and research of gynaecological cancers.

Our specialist team work to provide complete care for women from planning for treatment, having surgery, and providing other therapies needed to treat your cancer.

Learn about our gynaecological cancer services.

Our Cancer Care Pharmacy supports patients receiving cancer treatment at Westmead Hospital.

Our senior pharmacists and trained technicians prepare and dispense cancer medicines, review treatment plans, and provide personalised education and support.

Find out more about our Cancer Care Pharmacy.

Western Sydney LHD has a comprehensive multi-disciplinary service for urological cancers, including prostate cancer.

The multidisciplinary team involved in prostate cancer and other urological cancers includes surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, palliative care specialists, nurses, radiation therapists, familial cancer, psycho-oncology and other allied health professionals.

Surgery: The urology surgery service has a combination of staff specialists and visiting medical officers who operate and manage patients at Westmead and Blacktown Hospitals. A full range of surgical procedures is offered including robot assisted radical prostatectomy, open radical prostatectomy and trans-perineal biopsy.

Radiation oncology: The uro-oncology subspecialty unit has 2 radiation oncologists with a special interest in prostate and other urological cancers working across Westmead and Blacktown Hospitals. An advanced practice prostate radiation therapist works across the LHD.

Medical Oncology: There are 2 dedicated medical oncologists specialising in urological cancers with clinics at both Blacktown and Westmead hospitals. In addition, there is a clinical fellow in medical oncology who supports the genitourinary clinical trial patients.

Nursing: Both centres have nursing support for clinics and treatment and have recently been awarded a prostate cancer specialist nurse by the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

Men’s Health Physiotherapy: Westmead offers a specialised Men’s Health Physiotherapy clinic for men who are receiving treatment for Prostate Cancer. It is the only clinic of its type in the public hospital system of NSW.

An experienced men’s health physiotherapist provides modern rehabilitation of incontinence caused by surgery and/or radiation (using real-time ultrasound), and treatment to counteract the side effects of hormone therapy in the form of exercise prescription and exercise classes.

Multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings: The unit has a very active MDT which meets every fortnight to discuss urological cancers according to agreed criteria. Members from all medical and supportive care disciplines are included in the meeting which generates robust discussion about treatment options and best practice.

Research and Clinical Trials: The multidisciplinary team has a very active clinical trials program covering many new treatment innovations.

Affiliations: The clinicians of the Westmead Uro-Oncology service are affiliated with various prestigious research and teaching institutions including:

• Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Genito-Urinary Group (TROG)
• Australian and New Zealand Urogenital and Prostate Cancer Trials Group (ANZUP)
• The Universities of Sydney and Western Sydney
• The Westmead Institute of Medical Research
• Prostate Cancer Outcomes Registry – Australia and New Zealand

Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. It can be given in different ways:

• intravenously (IV): into a vein using a needle
• orally: as tablets or capsules you swallow
• by injection: into a muscle (intramuscular) or under the skin (subcutaneous)
• as a cream: for some types of skin cancer.

Your doctor will choose the method that works best for your type of cancer. Chemotherapy drugs travel through your bloodstream to reach cancer cells wherever they are in your body.

How chemotherapy works

Chemotherapy targets cells that divide quickly, such as cancer cells. Because it can’t tell the difference between healthy and cancerous fast-dividing cells, it may also affect healthy cells. This can cause side effects such as hair loss, tiredness, or mouth ulcers.

Types of chemotherapy

The type of chemotherapy you receive depends on:

• the type and stage of your cancer
• your general health and any other medical conditions.

You may have one drug or a combination of drugs. Sometimes chemotherapy is given with radiotherapy at the same time. This is called concurrent treatment.

Your oncologist will decide the best plan for you after reviewing your medical history and test results through a multi-disciplinary team meeting (MDT).

Education and support

Before your first treatment, you’ll attend a Chemotherapy Education Session. This session helps you understand what to expect, reduces anxiety, and gives you a chance to ask questions.

You’ll also:

• take a tour of the treatment area
• meet some of the nurses and pharmacists who’ll care for you.

After each treatment cycle, you’ll have a follow-up appointment with your oncologist. You can discuss any side effects or concerns at these visits. It’s important to be open about how you’re feeling so the team can help manage any symptoms. You may also have blood tests or scans to check your progress.

Resources

• NSW Health: Factsheet and consent form on co-payment for Section 100 Highly Specialised and Chemotherapy Medicine
• Cancer Council: Chemotherapy
• Cancer Institute NSW: Chemotherapy
• Cancer Australia: Chemotherapy

Radiation therapy uses controlled doses of radiation to destroy cancer cells. It can be used to cure cancer or to reduce pain and other symptoms.

A team of experts plans and delivers your treatment. This includes:

• Radiation oncologists (doctors).
• Radiation therapists.
• Radiation oncology medical physicists.

These specialists use advanced technology to provide safe and effective treatment with as few side effects as possible. Radiation therapy is used in about 40% of people cured of cancer.

Why radiation therapy is important

Each year, more than 100,000 Australians are diagnosed with cancer. Around half will benefit from radiation therapy during their illness.

It can be used:

• on its own
• with surgery
• with chemotherapy or other treatments.

Most treatments are non-invasive and given in outpatient clinics, so patients can return home the same day. Radiation therapy is also one of the most cost-effective cancer treatments, making up only a small part of overall healthcare spending but contributing to many cancer cures.

What radiation therapy does

Radiation therapy helps in two main ways:

1. Curing cancer – by destroying cancer cells.
2. Managing symptoms – by shrinking tumours and easing pain when a cure isn’t possible.

Most treatments take about 20 to 30 minutes. Many patients can keep doing normal daily activities during treatment.

How radiation therapy is given

Your treatment plan depends on:

• the type, size and location of the cancer
• whether it has spread
• your overall health and treatment goals.

External beam radiation therapy

• This is the most common type.
• You’ll have several short visits to the treatment centre (usually Monday to Friday for a few weeks).
• Small doses are given at each session to protect healthy cells while targeting cancer cells.
• Treatments are painless and feel similar to having an X-ray or CT scan.
• You will not become radioactive, so it’s safe to be around others, including pregnant people.

Brachytherapy

• This treatment involves placing small radioactive “seeds” inside or near the tumour.
• You may need a short hospital stay.
• Once the seeds are removed or inactive, you can resume normal activities.
• Your team may give you short-term safety instructions to protect others.

Particle therapy

• This advanced type of radiation uses heavy particles such as protons or carbon ions.
• Australia’s first proton therapy centre is being built in Adelaide, and a new centre planned for the Westmead precinct will include both proton and carbon ion therapy.
• If suitable treatment is not available in Australia, financial help may be available through the Medical Treatment Overseas Program.

Side effects

Side effects vary depending on:

• the area treated
• the dose and duration of treatment
• your general health.

Most people experience mild side effects such as:

• tiredness
• skin redness or soreness
• nausea
• changes to bowel or bladder habits
• mouth or throat discomfort (for head or neck treatments).

Hair loss only happens in the area being treated.

Most side effects fade within a few weeks after treatment ends.

Serious or long-term effects are rare, and your doctor will discuss any potential risks before treatment.

Resources

For more details, visit:

• Radiation Oncology Targeting Cancer
• Cancer Council Australia: Understanding Radiotherapy
• Cancer Australia: Clinical trials
• TROG Cancer Research (Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group) – Clinical Trials

Surgery is a common treatment for many types of cancer. It may be used on its own or combined with other treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

What surgery involves

Surgery removes cancer by cutting away the tumour using a scalpel or laser.
Your doctor may recommend surgery to:

• diagnose or confirm cancer
• find out how large the cancer is and whether it has spread (staging)
• remove the cancer to try to cure it
• rebuild part of the body after cancer removal (reconstructive surgery)
• prevent or reduce the risk of cancer developing
• control symptoms or improve quality of life.

Medical oncology surgery can be performed at Westmead, Mt Druitt and Auburn Hospitals.

Preparing for surgery

If you decide to have surgery, your hospital stay will depend on the type of operation:

• Minor procedure: Done under local anaesthetic in a clinic. You can usually go home the same day.
• Day surgery: Performed under general anaesthetic or sedation. You’ll stay for several hours and go home the same day. You’ll need someone to collect you.
• Major surgery: Requires an overnight or longer hospital stay. You’ll go home once you are medically ready.

Seeing the anaesthetist

Before surgery, you may need to attend a pre-admission clinic to meet the anaesthetist and other health staff.
At this appointment:

• your overall health will be checked to make sure you’re ready for anaesthesia and surgery
• blood tests or X-rays may be arranged if needed
• you’ll receive written instructions about fasting and which medicines to take or stop before surgery.

Bring a list of your current medicines and recent test results to this appointment.

If you’re having a minor procedure and are otherwise healthy, you might see the anaesthetist on the day of surgery instead.

Resources

You can learn more about cancer surgery from:

• Cancer Institute NSW: Surgery
• Cancer Council: Understanding surgery - A guide for people with cancer, their families and friends
• Cancer Research UK: Surgery for cancer
• Cancer Australia – Surgery to treat breast cancer
• Bowel Cancer Australia – Surgery to treat bowel cancer

Research shows that supportive and palliative care improves the quality of life of patients and family members, as well as the physical and emotional symptoms of cancer and its treatment.

Our specialist network of supportive and palliative care units provide specialist multidisciplinary palliative care to patients with malignant or non malignant conditions that require symptom control, pain management, respite and end of life care.

Locations

Mt Druitt Supportive and Palliative Care Unit

The Mt Druitt Supportive and Palliative care Unit is a 16-bed multidisciplinary inpatient facility, which provides our community with holistic acute care, assessment and symptom control for adult patients over the course of their life-limiting illness, as well as at the end of life. The unit provides specialist palliative medicine and nursing support in addition to social work, occupational therapy, clinical psychology and bereavement counselling.

The Palliative Care Unit at Mt Druitt Hospital is part of the specialist networked service that along with Auburn, Blacktown and Westmead Hospitals provide specialist multidisciplinary palliative care to patients with malignant or non malignant conditions that require symptom control, pain management and end of life care.

Blacktown Cancer and Haematology Centre

Specialist supportive and palliative care medical and nursing consultation is available to patients suffering from malignant and non-malignant conditions in Blacktown Hospital and the Blacktown Local Government Area. Specialist medical and nursing outpatient clinics are conducted at Blacktown Cancer Care Centre and inpatient care is provided from Mt Druitt Supportive and Palliative Care Unit.

Auburn Supportive and Palliative Care Unit

The Auburn Hospital Supportive and Palliative Care Unit is a dedicated 15 bed unit committed to providing exceptional, compassionate, supportive, palliative and end-of-life care for people living with life-limiting illnesses and their families and carers.

Patients admitted to the unit have a life-limiting illness and require management of complex symptoms and end-of-life care needs. Patients receive specialist medical and nursing care, and are also supported by our team of specialist Supportive and Palliative Care Allied Health Clinicians including a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, dietician, speech pathologist, clinical psychologist, social worker, pharmacist and Auburn Hospital Aboriginal Liaison Officer. They are also supported by outr bereavement service.

Westmead Supportive and Palliative Care Unit - opening 2026

A new Supportive and Palliative Unit at Westmead Hospital will provide purpose-built new facilities with a home-like setting for people with complex, life-limiting illnesses.

Opening in 2026, the unit will provide services for adults in the community who require inpatient specialist palliative care, and will be staffed by specialist doctors, nurses, allied health and support staff.

Community Palliative Care Service

The Western Sydney LHD Community Palliative Care Service encompasses the full scope of palliative care, which includes supportive care aimed at maximising the quality of life for clients and their families where specific treatments may be being provided. 

It will also include the provision of end of life care where there may be no specific treatments or interventions in place, related to their overall disease progression and symptom burden.

Learn more about our palliative care services.

Accommodation options available to our patients receiving treatment at any of our facilities in Western Sydney LHD.

The following list of accommodation options has been compiled to assist families who require treatment at one of our facilities. These accommodation options are in close proximity to our hospitals. It is recommended that families discuss proximity to the hospital and public transport options if required.

Accommodation options for patients inlcude:

As pricing may be subjected to change, please confirm all prices directly with the accommodation prior to booking.

Westmead Hospital Overnight Rooms

Corner of Darcy Road and Bridge Road.

The Cancer Council provides valuable support for patients, carers, family and friends in a multitude of ways from providing up-to-date useful information and educational resources to support services such as legal and financial assistance as well as transport, accommodation and home help.

Find out more about Cancer Council.

We know from research studies conducted in Australia that lots of people use Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) and many people take vitamin or nutritional supplements.

Cancer patients often consider these treatments or vitamin supplements, and friends and family may urge you to try them.

The Cancer Council NSW defines the terms:

• Complementary Therapies - Supportive treatments that are used in conjunction with conventional treatment. They improve general health, well-being and quality of life, and help people cope with side effects of cancer.
• Alternative Therapies - Therapies that are used in place of conventional treatment, often in the hope that they will provide a cure.
• Integrative Medicine (Integrative Therapies) - The use of both evidence-based complementary therapies and conventional medicine.

Resources

• The Cancer Institute NSW has produced a research article to assist you if you are considering CAM.
• Cancer Council NSW: Complementary therapies

Health Care Interpreter Service (HCIS)

The Western Sydney LHD Health Care Interpreter Service (HCIS) provides interpreting and translating services for health care professionals and patients across Western Sydney.

Languages and availability

HCIS offers services in more than 120 languages, including AUSLAN (Australian Sign Language).
The service employs 52 staff interpreters and translators and has a pool of over 400 sessional interpreters.

You can access interpreting services:

• on site or by calling (02) 9912 3800 – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• by videoconference – Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm.

Translated health information

Patient information from the Cancer Institute NSW is now available in 8 different languages.
This helps people from multicultural communities better understand their health care and treatment options.

• Translated cancer resources for multicultural communities
• Cancer information for multicultural communities

Dealing with cancer can present significant financial challenges. We know the costs associated with cancer treatment can be totally unexpected and can sometime coincide with a loss of income causing added stress and anxiety for many cancer patients.

There are services and resources available which aim to ease the financial stress and burden on you.

Cancer Council will connect you with a lawyer or financial planner who will help you. This may be at their office, or at your hospital or home. If you speak a language other than English, they can arrange an interpreter for you.

For information call 13 11 20 or visit Cancer Council NSW: Legal and workplace support.

Look Good Feel Better is a free, national community service program, run by the Cancer Patients Foundation. The program has been designed to help cancer patients learn practical strategies to manage the physical, psychological and social impacts of cancer treatment.

Find out more about Look Good Feel Better.

Nursing support

Support comes in many different forms and your needs may change as you go through your cancer journey. Every cancer diagnosis comes with questions that need answers, treatments to consider, concerns about loved ones or uncertainty on how to navigate an unknown path.

Our nursing staff are here to help support and guide you throughout your cancer journey with the focus being on your comfort and convenience.

Cancer care coordinators

Our cancer care coordinators help you navigate the cancer journey. With a focus on your comfort and convenience, this nursing expert provides the understanding care you want and deserve, when you need it most.

You will usually be introduced or given contact details for your cancer care coordinator soon after your initial visit, keep this information close to hand in case you have questions or problems you wish to discuss.

Within our Network we currently have cancer care coordinators available to patients for the following groupings of cancer:

• bowel cancer
• gastric cancer
• oesphageal cancer
• pancreatic cancer
• breast cancer (advanced and metastatic)
• gynaecological cancer
• haematological cancer and blood disorders
• head and neck cancer
• lung cancer, mesothelioma.

Cancer care coordinators are available to referred patients Monday to Friday.

Chemotherapy nurse support

Being prepared and understanding chemotherapy can help lessen some of the stress surrounding your treatment. Chemotherapy nursing staff provide education prior to starting chemotherapy and support during treatment phase.

Before you are started on chemotherapy we make sure that you are fully prepared for the treatment by providing you with a comprehensive information pack which you can take home and read at your own pace, as well as booking you in for a formal face-to-face education session with our nursing staff.

Radiation therapy nurse support

You will be introduced to the radiation therapy nursing staff as part of the treating team at one of your initial visits. They are there to help prepare you before starting radiotherapy and will see you weekly during your radiotherapy treatment together with the radiation therapists.

The nurses provide education to you and your family/carers and can help manage the side effects of your treatment and your medical condition in consultation with medical staff. These nurses continue to be involved in your long term follow up care in the clinic.

Community nursing support

Community co-ordinated care services are offered for people with a life limiting illness and support for their family at home. Care and support is offered including pain relief and management of other symptoms, and aims to be flexible and sensitive to the wishes and needs of patients and also their families.

Palliative care community nursing services

Patients referred to the nursing service receive a comprehensive assessment to identify their care needs. The community nurse and palliative care nurse specialist provide care planning and coordination, with ongoing regular reviews. Education and support of the patient and/or their carer is also provided.

The patient’s physical equipment needs are assessed and appropriate referrals or arrangements coordinated. Referrals to other service providers are made based on the assessment and patient’s needs.

The community nurse and palliative care nurse specialist liaise with the patient’s treating specialists, general practitioners (GPs) and inpatient facilities to optimise symptom management.

Who can refer?

• GPs
• friends and families
• agencies
• self referral

Call the Centralised Referral Service on 1800 600 681.

Being diagnosed and living with cancer is often a time associated with a variety of emotional, spiritual and psychological changes. These changes can affect the person who has cancer, and their families and carers in different ways.

Please note: we don't provide emergency services. If your concern is urgent you can:

• call the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 - available 24/7 for telephone-based help if the psychological problem is urgent or an emergency. This service is managed by the NSW Health Department and is free
• Attend the Emergency Department of your nearest hospital
• Visit your GP

What help is available at the Cancer Centre

Psychologists

There is no charge for seeing one of the psychologists at Westmead Hospital’s cancer services.

Some of our services have a dedicated clinical psychologist, who specialises in that type of cancer. Our psychologists provide emotional support through active cancer treatment. If after this time you need further support, the psychologist will discuss how to access appropriate services.

• The Breast Cancer Institute (BCI) has a clinical psychologist who is available 3 days a week, for outpatient consultations and telehealth.
• The Gynaecological Oncology service has a clinical psychologist who is available 2 days a week, for inpatient and outpatient consultations and for telehealth.
• The Canteen Youth Cancer Service (sees patients from age 15 to age 24 years) has a clinical psychologist, for outpatients and inpatients of that service. They also offer a clinical neuropsychologist, available 1 day a week. Telehealth is also available.

For all other cancers, including blood cancers, there is a full-time clinical psychologist. They only see outpatients, and telehealth is available. As you can appreciate, they are very busy and there is often a wait time of weeks for an appointment.

Psychiatrists

The Cancer Centre also has a psychiatrist who is at the Centre 2 and a half days a week and sees inpatients and outpatients. They work with a trainee psychiatrist or registrar, who also sees patients.

Psychiatrists are trained to diagnose psychological disorders, and to deliver treatment that includes psychological therapy, medication, lifestyle change and learning about your condition so you can manage it effectively.

If you feel you would benefit from seeing a psychiatrist, please talk to your treating team to discuss a referral.

Cancer support resources

Cancer Australia has more information about cancer support organisations.

It'll be much easier to break a bad habit if you have the help of a support network.

You're not alone in your journey, help is avaliable.

These support resources can help you quit smoking:

• Call NSW Quitline on 13 78 48
• iCanQuit

There are a number of local council and government subsidised transport services which are available to certain patients attending any of our facilities if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Parramatta and Holroyd Community Wheels

Community Wheels Inc. is a non profit organisation funded under the Home and Community Care and the Community Transport Programs. Our goal is to provide transport services for those who are frail, older people, younger people with disabilities and their carers so they can live safely and comfortably in their own homes rather than in institutions such as Nursing homes or Hostels.

Auburn Community Transport

Community Wheels Inc provides transport services to major hospital systems in the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) including Westmead Hospital, Blacktown Hospital and St Joseph Hospital in Auburn. Further subsidized transport is offered to eligible patients requiring transport to the health facilities of WSLHD for dialysis or cancer treatment. Bookings are essential for all medical transport requests. A minimum of two days notice is requested for all individual transport bookings.

Hills Community Transport

The Community Transport Service specialises in assistance with your personal transport needs from your door to your destination, home again and around your community.

Blacktown Community Transport

Active Care Network is a not-for-profit organisation providing Community Transport for people with limited transport options and who meet eligibility criteria. We are an accredited provider of Community Transport for people over 65; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders over 50; and Registered NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) participants. We also provide transport for people under these ages who are transport disadvantaged and face barriers to using transport. You may be eligible for community transport if you:

• have a disability or health issue which limits your mobility
• have language challenges that limit your access to transport
• live in an area with little or no public transport and don’t have access to private transport
• are elderly
• have mobility issues
• do not have a driver's licence
• face other significant barriers to accessing transport.

Mt Druitt Hospital - Volunteer Patient Transport Service

Provides free transport to and from medical appointments for clients who have no means of transport. Only available for morning appointments and travellers must be able to get in and out of the bus with minimal help.

Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS)

IPTAAS is a subsidy program which provides financial assistance to help with travel and accommodation costs for people (and eligible escorts) who need to travel long distances to access specialist treatment not available locally. Patients traveling at least 100km each way, or at least 200km per week cumulative distance, are eligible to apply for IPTAAS subsidies.

Below are a number of highly recommended resources for cancer patients and their families/carers.

• The Cancer Council Helpline is a free, confidential telephone information and support service run by Cancer Councils in each state and territory. Call 13 11 20.
• BeyondBlue is working to reduce the impact of depression and anxiety in the community by raising awareness and understanding, empowering people to seek help, and supporting recovery, management and resilience.
• Breast Cancer Network Australia – Resource for Australians affected by breast cancer.
• Cancer Council NSW – Valuable resource for anyone affected by cancer. To access information, professional support and services you can contact Cancer Council NSW directly.
• Cancer Institute NSW EviQ for Patients and Carers: A comprehensive resource guide to understanding cancer and cancer treatments
• Canrefer – Canrefer is a directory set up by the Cancer Institute NSW to help general practitioners, other health professionals, patients and their family members find cancer services by cancer type and location in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
• GI Cancer Institute – Frequently asked questions about Gastro-intestinal cancer.
• Leukaemia Foundation – Find out disease-specific information on diagnosis and treatment, as well as other aspects of living with a leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma or related blood disorder.
• Lung Foundation Australia – Information on lung disease, its treatment, patient support and related issues.
• Lymphoedema Association Australia – Provides information and education on lymphoedema.
• Macmillan Cancer Support – High quality, up-to-date cancer information for cancer patients, their families and carers.
• Mesothelioma.net – Free resources, education, support, and hope for mesothelioma patients
• Myeloma Foundation of Australia – Myeloma specific organisation in Australia supporting those touched by myeloma. Myeloma Australia provides up to date information and caring support via our specialist nurses. The Foundation services are all free of charge.
• National Breast Cancer Foundation – Breast Cancer – the facts.
• Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia – This website provides you with information on prostate health, prostate cancer, treatment, side effects and support.
• Sexuality, Intimacy and Cancer – A guide for people with cancer and their partners by Cancer Council
• Radiation Therapy for Cancer Treatment – 1 in 2 cancer patients would benefit from radiation therapy at some time during their cancer experience. However, less than 1 in 3 patients in Australia and New Zealand will actually receive radiation therapy, learn more about radiation therapy at the Targeting Cancer website.

You'll need a clinical referral (PDF 206.09KB) from either your treating specialist or general practitioner  to be seen at the Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre Westmead.

How to make an appointment

Email WSLHD-PatientReferrals@health.nsw.gov.au

If you don’t receive a response within 3 working days, call (02) 8890 5200 and ask for the bookings team.

You'll need a referral from your doctor to attend the Centre.

How to make an appointment

1. Call the Centre on (02) 98818421 to book an appointment with reception.
2. Bring your referral, Medicare card, and private health insurance details (if you have them) to your appointment.

Our medical team works closely with referring doctors to provide coordinated and timely cancer care.

Our commitment

When you refer a patient to us, we will:

• Provide high-quality, compassionate care.
• Return the patient to your care after treatment.
• Offer timely consultations.
• Coordinate care across our multidisciplinary team.
• Keep you informed with follow-up communication.

For haematology related referrals, email: wslhd-haemreferrals@health.nsw.gov.au

For all other referrals to the Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, email: WSLHD-PatientReferrals@health.nsw.gov.au or contact us on (02) 8890 5200 and request to speak to either the:

• haematology secretary for haematology referrals
• bookings team for all other referrals.

Familial Cancer

• Dr Abiramy Ragunathan, Cancer Genetic Specialist
• Dr Christina Girgis, Cancer Genetic Specialist
• Dr Shweta Srinivasa, Cancer Genetic Specialist

Haematology Specialists

• Dr Puja Bhattacharyya, Haematologist
• Dr Abir Bhattacharyya, Haematologist and BTCT Physician
• Dr Ian Bilmon, Haematologist and BTCT Physician
• Dr David Bishop, Haematologist and BTCT Physician
• A/Prof Emily Blyth, Haematologist and BTCT Physician
• Dr Helen Crowther, Haematologist
• A/Prof Jennifer Curnow, Haematologist Classical Haematology Specialist
• Dr Julianne Falconer, Haematologist
• Prof David Gottlieb, Haematologist and BTCT Physician
• Dr Sally Greenaway, Haematologist and Palliative Care Physician
• Dr Amanda Johnston, Haematologist
• Dr Gajan Kailainathan, Haematologist
• Dr John Kwan, Haematologist and BTCT Physician
• Dr Fiona Kwok, Haematologist
• Dr Koon Lee, Haematologist and BTCT Physician
• Dr Chun Kei Kris Ma, Haematologist and BTCT Physician
• A/Prof Kenneth Micklethwaite, Haematologist and BTCT Physician
• Dr Shyam Panicker, Haematologist and BMT Physician
• Dr Patricia Rebeiro, Haematologist
• Dr Gaurav Sutrav, Haematologist and BTCT Physician
• Dr Kenny Tang, Haematologist
• Dr Lachlin Vaughan, Haematologist

BTCT - Blood Transplant and Cellular Therapies

Medical Oncology Specialists

• Dr Vivek Bhadri, Adolescent Oncologist
• Dr Emma Boys, Medical Oncologist
• A/Prof Matteo Carlino, Medical Oncologist
• Dr Phuong Dinh, Medical Oncologist
• Dr Bo Gao, Medical Oncologist
• Dr Rosemary Habib, Medical Oncologist
• Prof Paul Harnett, Medical Oncologist
• Dr Jennifer Man, Medical Oncologist
• Dr Tania Moujaber, Medical Oncologist
• A/Prof Adnan Nagrial, Medical Oncologist
• Dr Siobhan O’Neill, Medical Oncologist
• A/Prof Nicholas Wilcken, Medical Oncologist
• Dr Mark Wong, Medical Oncologist
• Dr Anuradha Vasista, Medical Oncologist
• Dr Pei Ding, Medical Oncologist
• Dr Jeremy Mo, Medical Oncologist
• Dr Rhiannon Mellor, Medical Oncologist

Psycho-Oncology Service

• Dr Catherine Mason  (Psycho-Oncologist)
• Anita Rangganadhan - Clinical Psychologist
• Angela Cao -  Clinical Psychologist
• Joanna Fardell - Clinical Neuropsychology Registrar
• Bernard Leung - Clinical Psychologist
   

Radiation Oncology Specialists

• A/Prof Verity Ahern
• Dr Harriet Gee
• A/Prof Eric Hau
• A/Prof Amy Hayden
• Dr Eunji Hwang
• Dr Najmun Nahar
• Dr Alison Salkeld
• A/Prof Kirsty Stuart
• A/Prof Puma Sundaresan
• Dr Niluja Thiruthaneeswaran
• Prof Sandra Turner
• Prof Michael Veness
• A/Prof Tim Wang
• Dr Dr Elias Nasser
• Dr Lucinda Morris

Surgical Oncology Specialists

• Dr Muzib Abdul Razak (Melanoma/Sarcoma/Head and Neck Surgeon, Surgical Oncologist)
• A/Prof Alison Brand (Gynae Oncology – Gynaecological Oncologist)
• Dr Peter Dutton (Lower GI / Colorectal Surgeon)
• Dr James French (Breast Surgeon, Plastic Surgeon)
• Dr Julie Howle (Sarcoma / Melanoma – Surgical Oncologist)
• Prof Vincent Lam (Upper GI /Hepatobiliary/Pancreatic Surgeon)
• Dr Kim Loh (Lower GI – Colorectal, General Surgeon)
• Dr Lynne Mann (Breast Surgeon)
• Dr Raj Mendis (Head and Neck Surgeon)
• Dr Nimalan Pathma-nathan (Lower GI – Colorectal Surgeon)
• A/Prof Arthur Richardson (Upper GI/Pancreatic Surgeon)
• Dr Gideon Sandler (Head and Neck Surgeon, Surgical Oncologist)
• Dr Niranjan Sritharan (Head and Neck, Ear/Nose/Throat Surgeon)
• Dr Mark Smith (Ear, Nose & Throat Surgeon)
• Dr Eva Wong (Sarcoma / Head and Neck / Melanoma – Surgical Oncologist)
• Dr Alireza Moghadam, (Head and Neck / Endocrine - Surgical Oncologist)
• Dr Alex Varey (Surgical Oncologist)

Supportive and Palliative Care Specialists

• Dr Katherine Allsopp, Palliative Care Physician
• Dr Cheau Chin
• Dr Timothy Chow – Palliative Care Physician
• Dr Sally Greenaway, Palliative Care Physician
• Dr Theresa Nguyen - Palliative Care Physician
• Dr Aaditi Padhi - Palliative Care Physician
• Dr Jusveer Rakhra, Palliative Care Physician
• Dr Lyra Reyes, Palliative Care Physician
• Dr Clare Zachulski, Palliative Care Physician

Dermatology Specialists

• Dr Jillian Wells, Dermatologist

Western Sydney Youth Cancer Service

• Dr Vivek Bhadri (Adolescent Oncologist)

Western Sydney LHD Clinical Trials Unit

Our clinical trials team conduct important research into new medicines and treatments and new ways to use current treatments. Clinical trials increase our knowledge about cancer and help in the search for better outcomes for patients and families. Learn more about our clinical trials.

The Westmead Institute for Cancer Research (WICR)

WICR is based at the Westmead Millennium Institute. The team studies how cancer starts and grows at the cell and gene level. Their research focuses on cancers such as breast, ovarian, bowel, and skin cancers (including melanoma), as well as leukaemia. Learn more about WICR.

Radiation research

Sydney West Radiation Oncology Network (SWRON) aims to improve radiation treatment through ongoing technical research and the use of advanced treatment methods.

A National Particle Treatment and Research Centre is proposed for the Westmead Precinct, which will be unique in Australia. Particle therapy uses proton or carbon ions instead of photons to treat cancer.

Sydney West Translational Cancer Research Centre (SWTCRC)

SWTCRC has put Western Sydney on the map as a hub for world-class cancer research, improving the links between research and clinical care.

Find out more about our research.