Support for people with upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancers

Approximately 900 people are diagnosed with Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI) cancers in Western Australia each year.

These include cancers in the:

• oesophagus
• stomach
• small intestine
• pancreas
• gallbladder
• liver
• ducts (pancreatic, bile duct, hepatic duct)

Diagnosis

To confirm a diagnosis (type of cancer) and the stage of disease (spread of cancer) a series of tests may be ordered by a GP and a Specialist.

Depending on the type of cancer tests may include:

• a blood test
• a biopsy - usually under sedation via a gastroscope or endoscope with or without an ultrasound attached or using a needle though the skin (percutaneously)
• a laparoscope inserted into a small incision in the stomach to visualise and take a sample of the suspected cancer
• scans such as ultrasound, CT, MRI and PET to look for extent and spread of disease

Diagnosis and stage of disease is usually confirmed by an expert team of specialists in a multidiscipline team meeting.

Treatment

The treatment offered will depend upon the site and extent of the cancer, a person’s fitness and their preference.

It may involve seeing several specialty services across different settings and include one or a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and/or immunotherapy. A clinical trial can be offered if available.

Some people may choose not to have treatment and may benefit from the services of the palliative care team to help manage symptoms.

Helping you along your cancer journey

The UGI 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 UGI cancer nurses are available to:

• provide and explain diagnosis and treatment
• offer advice and link with other professionals and services and resources within the treating hospital and the wider community
• assist with the coordination of cancer related appointments
• be an additional point of contact.

Other useful contacts

Fiona Stanley Hospital (general enquiries)
Tel: (08) 6152 2222

Rockingham General Hospital (general enquiries)
Tel: (08) 9599 4000

Royal Perth Hospital (general enquiries)
Tel: (08) 9224 2244

Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (general enquiries)
Tel: (08) 6457 3333

SJOG Midland Public Hospital (general enquiries)
Tel: (08) 9462 4000

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

Pancare Foundation
Tel: 1300 881 698
Supports people diagnosed with an upper gastrointestinal cancer.

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

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

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

Cancer Institute NSW
Web: www.cancerinstitute.org.au

Pancare Foundation
Web: www.pancare.org.au