Oncology Care

Integrated care is the provision of a range of medical, complementary, health and support services that work together to assist you to receive optimum care throughout your cancer journey.  This care is tailored specifically to your needs, allowing you to have control at every stage of the process.

Our aim is to provide integrated support to improve your quality of life, helping you to cope with the emotional and physical effects of a cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Our research continues to provide evidence that improvements in quality of life occur when complementary therapy is undertaken together with conventional medical services.

During your initial ATUNE consultation, we will consider your personal situation and work with you to create an individualised support plan that may include assistance from one or possibly more professionals as appropriate.

Complementary Integrated Therapies are evidence-based therapies that complement mainstream medical treatment. Evidence suggests that Complementary Integrated Therapies may assist in managing symptoms associated with cancer treatment including:

• Reduction of physical pain and discomfort
• Reduction of nausea and fatigue
• Reduction of psychological distress including anxiety and depression
• Improving general wellbeing and vitality

Your integrated team may include as required:

• Medical Oncologist
• Palliative Care Specialist
• General practitioners
• Naturopaths
• Dieticians
• Osteopaths
• Physiotherapists
• Hydro therapist
• Exercise physiologists
• Speech pathologists
• Psychologists
• Pastoral care
• Massage therapist

Lifestyle Support

Complementary care improves health by providing support through lifestyle intervention. Research indicates that lifestyle factors are the major cause of cancer, and therapy in the following areas may be beneficial to your improved health:

Touch and manual therapies

These therapies assist to:

• reduce fatigue, depression, nausea and nerve pain
• improve sleep quality, quality of life, mental clarity and emotional wellness for those undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery.

Naturopathic care

Research has demonstrated that specific diets, herbal remedies and nutritional supplements can help reduce the side effects of conventional treatment by supporting the immune system and suppressing the inflammatory processes that contribute to the development and progression of cancer.

Mind

It is not unusual for people who have received a cancer diagnosis to feel stressed, anxious, sad or overwhelmed. Psychological therapies and support groups provide the opportunity to discuss your concerns with a professional in a caring environment and to learn new ways of coping. Learning new skills such as relaxation will support your progress through chemotherapy or radiotherapy and is beneficial for reduction of symptoms of anxiety, stress, pain and depression. We are also here to support your family members and friends through their challenges.

Our highly trained team of psychologists are here to help you with difficulties such as:

• Adjusting to living with cancer
• Stress and difficulty coping
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Sleeping difficulties
• Grief and loss
• Family or relationship problems
• Treatment side-effects
• Self-image concerns
• Sexual problems
• Bereavement
• Post-treatment body image concerns
• Connection with pastoral care

Exercise

Several studies have demonstrated the benefits of physical activity before, during and after cancer treatment. Positive outcomes include reduced level of fatigue, improved physical performance and functional capacity and enhanced quality of life.

Dietetics

There is strong evidence to support that dietary counselling can improve quality of life, physical function and reduce the side effects of cancer treatment such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting and weight loss.

We offer two options for your care:

• Specialist referral - You may request a referral from your oncologist, specialist or GP to see one of our team.
• Self-referral – You can just call for an appointment yourself to see any of our team members. It is essential to inform your oncologist about the treatment that we are providing for you.

Initial consultation

The introduction to our integrated oncology team begins with us understanding your health needs and goals for treatment. To achieve this we will:

Take a comprehensive medical and oncology history

Develop an individualised treatment plan suitable for your needs.

Your plan will be reviewed regularly as your treatment progresses

Consultation Fees:

Integrated Oncology Assessment

This assessment will be undertaken and included in any initial professional consultation.

Professional Consultation Fees

Please refer to the individual profession for fee structure.

Health fund and Medicare rebates are available.