Support for people with haematological (blood) cancers

Each year 1200 people are diagnosed with haematological (blood) cancers in Western Australia.

The cancers include:

• Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML)
• Acute Lymphocytic Leukaemia (ALL)
• Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML)
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL)
• Multiple Myeloma (MM)
• Hodgkins Lymphoma (HL)
• Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (NHL).

Diagnosis

Patients are required to see a haematologist and have several tests and scans to confirm diagnosis and extent of disease. This could include a blood test, bone marrow biopsy or lymph node biopsy.

Treatment

For the majority of patients, treatment will take the form of chemotherapy. Some patients with HL, NHL or MM may also need radiation therapy.

Each type of blood cancer is different and will require distinct types of chemotherapy regimens and follow-up. Your haematologist may also modify your treatment depending upon your specific needs and current health status.

Treatment will involve several cycles of chemotherapy which can be given in an in-patient or out-patient setting.

Regular medical follow-up and blood tests are conducted as specified by your haematology consultant. Some patients may go on to have a peripheral blood stem cell transplant or bone marrow transplant.

Helping you along your cancer journey

The Haematology Cancer Nurse Coordination Service supports patients who are having their treatment in the public hospital system and is a free state-wide service aimed at supporting you and your family through diagnosis and treatment.

Specialist haematological cancer nurses are available to:

• provide and explain information on your diagnosis and treatment.
• refer you to other health care professionals, such as social workers and psychosocial services, where and when appropriate.
• assist you and your family through treatment in all departments.
• coordinate your care to ensure timeliness of appointments and treatments.
• act as a central point of contact.

Other useful contacts

Leukaemia Foundation
Tel: (08) 6241 1000
Provides information and practical and emotional support for patients and families living with leukaemias, lymphomas, myeloma and other blood disorders.

SolarisCare Phone
Tel: (08) 6383 3475
Provides counselling and complementary therapies for cancer patients and their families.

Cancer Council WA Phone
Tel: 13 11 20
Provides counselling, complementary therapies, support groups and programs, advice, information and resources.

Myeloma Australia Nurse Support Line
Tel: 1800 693 566
Provides information and support through specialist nurses, groups, publications and seminars for those living with myeloma.

WA Psycho-Oncology Service
Tel: (08) 6457 1177
A clinical psychology service that offers a confidential, free counselling service to patients and families living with cancer.

Useful websites

Leukaemia Foundation
Web: www.leukaemia.org.au

Myeloma Australia
Web: www.myeloma.org.au

Lymphoma Australia
Web: www.lymphoma.org.au

Cancer Council WA
Web: www.cancerwa.asn.au