Coming to terms with a cancer diagnosis is a stressful time involving a range of emotional, social and psychological changes. Adjusting to these changes can be a huge challenge for the patient as well as those around them. The Sydney Cancer Centre provides the following support services to patients and their families during this stressful time.

Psycho-Oncology Service at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital

The Psycho-Oncology Service provides a range of counselling and therapeutic interventions to help patients, carers and their families who are having difficulties managing this adjustment process.

Some ways we can help:

• Counselling for grief, loss or interpersonal concerns
• Managing ongoing emotional distress
• Dealing with reactions to illness such as anxiety or depression
• Coping with treatment issues such as a fear of needles
• Pain management strategies
• Dealing with body image and sexuality concerns
• Navigating complex relationship dynamics
• Talking to children about cancer

Our Psycho-Oncology team is staffed by social workers and clinical psychologists who have experience helping a wide range of people affected by a diagnosis of cancer.

Further enquiries can be made to the Sydney Cancer Centre Info Line on 9515 6677

Other Counselling and Patient Support Services

The Sydney Cancer Centre also offers other services through the Social Work and Psychology Departments at both Concord and RPA Hospitals.

Social Workers provide emotional support through counselling and other services. They can also help with practical issues like accommodation, transport, legal and financial matters, accessing community and government support.

Clinical Psychologists provide psychological treatment for patients and their families who may be experiencing distress from anxiety, panic, phobias, depression and other adjustment issues related to living with cancer.

Our patients, their carers and families can phone directly to make an appointment, or may be referred by one of their Sydney Cancer Centre health professionals.

RPA Hospital - Social Workers 02 9515 9902

Concord Hospital - Social Workers  02 9767 6680

RPA Hospital (Psycho-oncology Service) 02 9515 6677

Concord Hospital - Psychologist  02 9767 6550

Psychiatrists are also available to assist patients who have high levels of distress, depression and anxiety.

If you are uncertain about which service to contact, please call our Information and Support Consultant who can assist you in choosing the service that will best meet your needs.  Contact the Sydney Cancer Centre Info Line on 9515 6677.