Thoracic Cancer Nurse Coordination Service
Support for people with thoracic cancers
In Western Australia approximately 1100 people are diagnosed with thoracic cancer each year and 135 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Thoracic cancer includes cancer of the lung, pleura (lining of the lungs), bronchus, trachea, thymus and mesothelioma (a malignant tumour of the pleura)
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 023 296.
Diagnosis
In order for the treating team to diagnose and stage (see if the cancer has spread), a patient may have to have a number of tests and procedures.
These include:
- EBUS (Endo-Bronchial Ultrasound)
- CT guided biopsy FNA (fine needle aspirate) or core biopsy
- Thoracoscopy
- CXR
- CT scan
- PET scan
Treatment
Depending on the stage of the cancer, there are a number of treatment options that may be discussed with the patient and family.
These include:
- surgery
- chemotherapy
- targeted therapy
- immunotherapy
- radiotherapy
- a combination of the above
Helping you along your cancer journey
The Thoracic Cancer Nurse Coordination Service is a free state-wide service supporting patients with a diagnosis of thoracic cancer that are having their treatment in the public hospital system.
Specialist thoracic cancer nurses are available to:
- provide information and explain about your diagnosis and treatment
- refer, liaise, and link with other services and health professionals as appropriate.
- be a point of contact throughout the diagnostic and treatment phase
- coordinate and streamline appointments.
Other useful contacts
Cancer Council Information and Support line - WA
Tel: 13 11 20
Provides counselling, complementary therapies, support groups and programs, advice, information and resources.
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.
Lung Foundation Australia
Tel: 1800 654 301
An Australian organisation that advocates for people living with lung disease (including lung cancer). They provide information, education, support and research programs.
Asbestos Diseases Society of Australia Inc.
Tel: 1800 646 690 (national toll free) (08) 9344 4077 (Perth callers)
Provides awareness, information and support for people with asbestos related disease (including mesothelioma).
Reflections
A small not for profit organisation working within the mesothelioma community offering support, advocacy, and signposting to the right service at the right time.
Useful websites
Cancer Council WA
Web: www.cancerwa.asn.au
Lung Foundation Australia
Web: www.lungfoundation.com.au
Reflections
Web: www.reflections.org.au
Asbestos Diseases Society of Australia
Web: www.abestosdiseases.org.au