Patients and carers
Patients, families and carers are at the centre of everything we do. At Peter Mac you will receive world-class cancer care and treatment, informed by the latest research. We will empower you with information and support throughout your cancer journey.
Health professionals
We work closely with clinicians to deliver the best cancer detection, treatment and care. Refer a patient, find out about our treatments and services and access high quality resources.
Research
We are Australia’s largest cancer research centre. More than 700 laboratory and clinical researchers are improving treatment and care and finding cures for cancer. Learn more about our researchers and their ground-breaking work.
Latest news
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A large group of Peter Mac nurses showcased their expertise in cancer nursing last week, with a strong showing at the CNSA & ICCN Congress in Adelaide.
This first joint conference of the Cancer Nurses Society of Australia and the International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care attracted cancer nurses from across the world.
Under the theme ‘Global Voices, Local Actions: From Inspiration to Implementation’, Peter Mac nurses shared cutting-edge work across clinical practice, education, leadership and research.
They presented on a wide variety of topics, including:
- The success of Peter Mac’s Enhanced Care Unit
- Consumers’ experience of digital health technologies
- Patient and carer attitudes around cancer pain
- Benefits of a Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner clinic
- Oncology nursing partnerships
- Overcoming regional barriers
- Innovations in Symptom and Urgent Care (SURC) clinics
Highly regarded Peter Mac Clinical Nurse Consultant Mary Duffy AM featured in a popular plenary discussion on genomics in lung cancer care. Mary was later honoured with an award at the congress gala, recognising her decades of contributions to specialist cancer nursing.
Peter Mac nurses also made an impact by chairing sessions. Director of Nursing Education Nikki Dean chaired two sessions in her area of expertise and Priscilla Gates chaired the haematology session.
Another feature was Peter Mac’s leadership in survivorship care. Tracey Mander and Nella Combe from the Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre (based at Peter Mac) contributed to a session on enhancing nurses’ roles in survivorship care. This proved so popular they were invited to repeat the session later in the day!
In addition to exchanging knowledge, the week was a chance to connect with national colleagues from across Australia and international colleagues, including from Ghana, China, Singapore and Papua New Guinea.
“Our nurses are highly respected, and global leaders in their field,” said Peter Mac Chief Nursing Officer, Associate Professor Andy Dimech.
“It was an honour, and very exciting, to see our people present groundbreaking work.”
He was quick to extend congratulations to all Peter Mac nurses, adding, “None of this would be possible without our amazing, strong nursing teams.
“Their support enables our nurses to continually innovate and improve experiences for all people with cancer.”
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We offer care that goes beyond treatment
Peter Mac has a wellbeing approach to care. We base this on a fundamental belief that the best cancer care treats the person and the disease. The Wellbeing Centre is a sanctuary for patients, their families and carers. It is a gathering place that is open, accepting and welcoming for all.
Cancer can be hard to deal with and we know that getting treatment is only part of it. You might have other challenges and need help with them. We offer many kinds of help for you, your loved ones, and your carers. Each resource can help you deal with how cancer affects your body, emotions and money.
The Victorian Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Service is a team of health and other professionals who specialise in the care of young people aged 15 to 25. We work with you and your healthcare team to support you at all stages of the cancer journey, anywhere in Victoria.
You are a carer if you’re taking care of someone with cancer. You might be a family member, friend or neighbour. Our wonderful volunteer service is here to help to make things a little easier for you and the person you’re caring for. They offer a range of support, resources, and items to help you.
The Psychosocial Oncology Program is a multidisciplinary team. This includes clinical psychologists, social workers, PCLNs, and psychiatrists/psychiatric registrars. They assess patients at risk of mental health problems. They will also assess and treat those with current mental health problems.