Support for people with urological cancer

Around 2,700 people are diagnosed with urological cancer in Western Australia each year. Urological cancer includes prostate, kidney, testicular, penile, bladder and upper urinary tract cancers.

Diagnosis

To confirm a diagnosis of a urological cancer a specialist urology doctor may order a series of tests which may include:

• blood test (and/or) urine test
• radiology imaging (e.g. ultrasound, MRI, CT, PET scan)
• biopsy of suspicious tissue
• a scope to look into your bladder (cystoscopy)

Treatment

Following diagnosis your treating team will develop a management plan, which could involve undergoing further investigations. The type of treatment will depend on several factors which will be discussed with you at your appointments.

Treatment options may include one or a combination of types such as surgery, radiation, and or chemotherapy. The course of treatment can involve seeing several special ties services across different settings.

Helping you along your cancer journey

The Urology Cancer Nurse Coordination Service supports patients who are having their treatment in the public hospital system and is accessible to people with a diagnosis of urological cancer across the state of WA.

Specialist urology cancer nurses are available to:

• provide and explain information on your diagnosis and treatment
• refer, liaise, and link with other services and health professionals as appropriate
• assist with the coordination of cancer related appointments
• be a point of contact throughout the diagnostic and treatment phase
• act as a point of contact

Other useful contacts

Cancer Council 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.

Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia
Tel: 1800 220 099
Provides patient information resources and support groups for people with prostate cancer.

Continence Foundation of Australia
Tel: 1800 026 458
Provides education, advice and information on bladder and bowel health issues. Also provides a directory of Continence specialist services and the national public toilet map.

WA Ostomy Association
Tel: (08) 9272 1833
Provides supplies for people with stomas. For information and advice please contact the stomal therapy department at your treating hospital.

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

Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia
Web: www.pcfa.org.au

Continence Foundation of Australia
Web: www.continence.org.au