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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Peter Mac researchers working to speed up stem cell transplant recovery
Milestone for landmark trial of less invasive prostate cancer diagnosis
Professor Kelly Anne Phillips inducted into Victorian Honour Roll of Women
Boost for cachexia research
Peter Mac researcher awarded Fellowship to advance CAR T-cell therapy
Australian-led trial shows nasal spray reduces COVID-19 risk in cancer patients
Feelings of anxiety and depression are common and understandable responses to cancer.
Many survivors and carers experience anxiety, depression and many other emotions. These may arise during diagnosis and treatment, and after treatment.
Information for cancer survivors and their carers
- Emotional Impact of cancer and its treatment fact sheet, Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre (ACSC)
- Living well after cancer website, Cancer Council Victoria
- The emotional impact of cancer website, Cancer Council Victoria
- Emotional Support, My Cancer Guide, Cancer Council Victoria
- Create a Cancer Mind Plan, Cancer Mind Care
- Emotional, Mental Health, and Mood Changes website, American Cancer Society (US)
- Anxiety, fear, and depression website, American Cancer Society (US)
- Cancer and anxiety podcast, Cancer.Net (US)
- Cancer and depression podcast, Cancer.Net (US)
Clinical services at Peter Mac Melbourne campus
The following services are available to Peter Mac patients in Melbourne. You may be undergoing treatment elsewhere. If that's the case, please speak with your oncology team. This is because you may have different clinical service options.
- Psychology services: Psychologists use various approaches to help people with cancer and their carers adjust to the challenges of cancer. These challenges can be emotional and psychological.
- Psychiatry services: Psychiatrists are medical specialists who work with people affected with cancer to improve mental health.
- Social work services: Social workers can provide counselling and support. They can advocate on behalf of you and the person you’re caring for. They can also offer practical advice and referrals to community services.
- Spiritual care services: Spiritual care draws on respect, trust and understanding. It delivers a compassionate, listening presence. This presence adds to your spiritual and emotional health and wellbeing.
- The Wellbeing Centre: The Wellbeing Centre is on Level 1 of the Peter Mac Melbourne building. It is a gathering place for patients, their families and carers. It offers a variety of programs, services and education opportunities.
- Optimisation clinic: This multidisciplinary outpatient clinic is for cancer survivors with complex needs. Services include a dietitian, psychologist, physiotherapist, and occupational therapist. Speak to your treating team to be referred to this clinic.
Other clinical services in the Parkville precinct
Peter Mac are also part of the Parkville precinct. This precinct includes the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Royal Women’s Hospital. You may want to let us know of any relevant services or supply feedback. If so, please email the Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre:
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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.