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GPH News April 2017

New option for skin cancer patients Radiation therapists Belinda Petherick and Natalie Meagher, patient Susan Leigh-Smith and radiation oncologist Professor Michael Poulsen. Empowering cancer patients Patients who require education and support during their cancer journeys now have access to a more comprehensive service at Greenslopes Private Hospital. A new Cancer Wellness Program Coordinator has started working onsite to optimise patients’ wellbeing. Ranee Saffioti is developing monthly education seminars, which are designed to provide practical help and emotional assistance. “There is an abundance of resources to assist patients throughout treatment and afterwards, but often people aren’t aware of the support groups and other avenues specific to them. I hope this role will help guide our patients and their carers throughout treatment and their transition afterwards,” said Ms Saffioti. The program identifies patient needs and facilitates services including counselling, dietary advice, and exercise techniques. “By empowering patients I hope to see those who have previously felt a bit lost, find direction and feel supported,” said Ms Saffioti. This initiative at Greenslopes Private Hospital is made possible with support from the Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation. To find out more, please call the Cyril Gilbert Cancer Centre on (07) 3394 7581. greenslopesprivate.com.au | 3 For the first time in Australia, a new type of skin cancer treatment is on offer to patients at Greenslopes Private Hospital. The Esteya Skin Brachytherapy is a non-invasive form of radiation therapy which produces low energy x-rays to treat superficial skin cancers less than 5mm in thickness and up to 2cm in diameter. The technology gives patients another early intervention choice in the treatment of their non-melanoma skin cancers. The first patient in Australia to use the machine was Gold Coast woman Susan Leigh-Smith who signed up for six treatment sessions at Greenslopes Private Hospital. Ms Leigh-Smith had a Basal Cell Carcinoma on her nose and chose this option to avoid surgery so she could continue taking her prescribed blood thinners. The skin brachytherapy service, provided by Radiation Oncology Centres, also offers good cosmetic outcomes for areas such as the nose, cheek and lips. Radiation oncologist Prof Michael Poulsen said “the machine has been developed over many years and involves unique software which makes it very safe to deliver superficial radiation treatment for skin cancer patients. This is the first in Australia and the eleventh in the world.” “It’s only available for very superficial skin cancers so many skin cancers will not be eligible.” To contact Radiation Oncology Centres at Greenslopes, phone 07 3099 8400. Advantages of Esteya: • Non-invasive alternative to surgery • 90–95% cure rate • Suitable for patients on anticoagulants • Preserves cosmesis and function • Can treat multiple lesions at the same time


GPH News April 2017
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