Head and Neck Cancer Nurse Coordination Service
Support for people with head and neck cancers
Approximately 630 people are diagnosed with head and neck cancers in Western Australia each year.
Head and neck cancers include cancers of the:
- lip
- gum
- mouth
- tongue
- parotid and saliva glands
- tonsil
- oropharynx
- nasopharynx
- larynx
- thyroid
- eye
This service is available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) 8.30am to 4.30pm and can be contacted on: 6457 0855 or mobile 0400 021 654.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing a cancer of the head or neck can be a complex process and you may require several tests before a diagnosis can be confirmed.
These tests may include:
- Naso-endoscopy
- Pan-endoscopy
- Biopsy
- Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)
- CT scan
- PET scan
- MRI scan
Treatment
Treatment is complex and will depend upon the site and extent of the cancer. You may be required to attend many appointments across different hospitals.
A number of treatment options may be discussed with the patient and family. These may include:
- surgery
- chemotherapy
- immunotherapy
- radiation therapy
- or a combination of the above.
- Clinical Trials
Helping you along your cancer journey
The Head and Neck Cancer Nurse Coordination Service is a free state-wide service aimed at supporting you and your family through diagnosis and treatment in the public hospital system.
The specialist Head and Neck Cancer Nurse Coordinator is available to:
- provide and explain information regarding your diagnosis and treatment.
- liaise and link with other services within the treating hospital and the wider community.
- coordinate your care and appointments.
- act as a central point of contact.
Other useful contacts
Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (general enquiries)
Tel: (08) 6457 3333
Fiona Stanley Hospital (general enquiries)
Tel: (08) 6152 2222
Royal Perth Hospital (general enquiries)
Tel: (08) 9224 2244
Cancer Council WA
Tel: 13 11 20
Helpline provides counselling and a comprehensive range of information, services and resources. Also runs a support group for people affected by face, head and neck cancer.
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.
SolarisCare
Tel: (08) 6383 3475
Provides counselling and complementary therapies for cancer patients and their families.
Useful websites
Cancer Council WA
Web: www.cancerwa.asn.au
Head and Neck Cancer Australia
Web: www.headandneckcanceraustralia.org.au