Subiaco cancer care

When it comes to cancer, you will be cared for, completely.
We put your physical and emotional needs at the centre of our approach to cancer care.

St John of God Subiaco Hospital cancer care

St John of God Subiaco Hospital has provided cancer care since 1898, longer than any other private health care facility in Western Australia.

In 2007, we established the Bendat Family Comprehensive Cancer Centre, in the belief that all care, especially for those impacted by cancer, should be delivered completely.

The recently refurbished centre is the only private facility of its type in the state which conveniently allows patients to access all the services and support they need, for all cancer types, at one location.

We are also the only private hospital in WA that provides onsite molecular pathology, meaning our oncologists can initiate treatment with targeted therapies faster than they could elsewhere.

In addition, select patients with breast cancer can access Intraoperative Radiation Therapy, a rapid radiation treatment for breast cancer. St John of God Subiaco Hospital is currently the only private hospital in Australia offering this revolutionary service.

When time is of the essence, our comprehensive cancer care and services allow you to receive a diagnosis and commence treatment quickly.

Our care is delivered by world-class specialists and experienced nursing staff and allied health professionals who address your unique physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

About Subiaco's cancer care services

We provide rapid access to diagnosis and treatment, plus all the services and support you and your family need, for all cancer types, in one convenient location.

Our comprehensive cancer services include:

Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT), a rapid radiation treatment for breast cancer
cancer-related surgery
chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatment
early access to leading-edge treatments and clinical trials
experienced caregivers and allied health support including social workers, dietitians, case managers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and pharmacists
pain and symptom management
pastoral services

Care is delivered by specialist oncology, breast cancer and palliative care nurses.

Your cancer care may include a combination of treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and radiotherapy.

Your oncologist or haematologist will advise what treatment is best for you, when and how often you will undergo treatment, whether you need to stay in hospital or come in as a day patient and how your response to treatment will be measured.

Day chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a common type of cancer treatment which kills cancer cells and stops them from growing and spreading to other parts of your body.

Normal cells have repair and replacement mechanisms, whereas cancer cells do not.

Day chemotherapy services are provided in our recently refurbished Ivy Suite, offering a comfortable and tranquil environment for you and your family and friends.

Located in the Bendat Family Comprehensive Cancer Centre, the Ivy Suite includes modern facilities, adjustable seating, abundant natural light, food and drink services and reading materials to help you feel more at home.

Find out more about:

Radiation oncology

Radiation therapy uses powerful x-ray beams to damage or kill cancer cells. This helps to stop them growing and spreading.

Radiation therapy is generally delivered in daily intervals, enabling healthy cells to repair and cancer cells to die between treatments.

However, select patients with early stage breast cancer may have access to Intraoperative Radiation Therapy, a rapid radiation treatment breast cancer.

IORT reduces treatment time from three to seven weeks of daily radiation to a single, targeted treatment that is administered while a patient is undergoing surgery to remove the cancer.

More information about IORT.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a cancer treatment that seeks to stimulate your immune system to help find and attack cancer cells.

The treatment also aims to recognise and kill only specific cells, in this case cancer cells.

There are several different types of immunotherapies used to treat cancer and this area of cancer treatment is constantly evolving

Targeted therapies
Targeted therapies identify the difference between normal cells and cancer cells, and aim to target only cancer cells. This helps to reduce damage to healthy cells.

More information about Immunotherapy.

If you would like more information about cancer treatments and their effects, please see:

Our investment in health and medical research is central to how we deliver exceptional patient care and is supported by all St John of God Subiaco Hospital oncologists.

Of our 50 active clinical trials, 45 are specific to oncology, with research investigating breast, colorectal, pancreatic, gynaecological, lung, prostate and brain cancers, as well as melanoma.

All St John of God Subiaco Hospital oncologists and cancer specialists are involved in research and many have contributed to Western Australia having the best survival rates worldwide for pancreatic, stomach, ovarian and colon cancers.

In fact, we are the highest recruiter worldwide for a number of ovarian and pancreatic clinical trials and can provide patients access to new treatments before they become widely available.

Since 2006, almost 1,000 Western Australians affected by cancer have benefited from clinical trials led by St John of God Subiaco Hospital specialists.

Find out more about our research projects and read our latest Annual Research Report.

You and your loved ones can access a wide range of services designed to support your physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Some of these services include:

Cancer and palliative care clinical support nurses

Our dedicated cancer and palliative care clinical support nurses help to optimise patient and family care and offer support in hospital and following discharge.

Amongst their many services, they can help you with symptom management and support, attend appointments with you to ensure all your questions are answered, and facilitate referrals to support organisations to assist with other practical issues associated with a cancer diagnosis.

Case managers

Case managers help to prepare patients for discharge. They will help you to identify your care and support needs and can liaise with service providers, support groups and health funds to further assist in your care.

Dieticians

Our dieticians are experienced in providing nutritional support for patients undergoing cancer treatments and can provide you with personalised information about managing symptoms and eating well.

Each month, we host a complimentary education session for patients and their loved ones to learn about nutritional requirements during chemotherapy.

To find out more visit the Cancer Council Nutrition and Cancer: A guide for people with cancer, their families and friends.

Pastoral care

Our professional pastoral care services are available to you and your loved ones.

They are an integral part of our multidisciplinary healthcare and help to address the spiritual, religious and emotional needs of all people.

Our pastoral services are available to you regardless of your culture, faith or spiritual belief.

Social workers

Our social workers are available to support you and your family members throughout your diagnosis, treatment and recovery. They can also provide advice on financial issues such as Centrelink entitlements, workers compensation and insurance.

Solaris Cancer Care

Leading Western Australian cancer support service, Solaris Cancer Care is located onsite, providing our patients and their families unconditional care and complementary therapies.

Solaris Cancer Care offers a holistic combination of:

professional counselling, support groups, hospital and home visits
evidence-based education and resources
inspiring seminars, speakers, courses and facilitated workshops
complementary therapies including nutrition, meditation and massage
comprehensive wellness programs and coaching

Our leading oncologists offer the latest advancements in treatment across all cancer types and provide compassionate care from our world-class facilities.

All St John of God Subiaco Hospital oncologists and cancer specialists are involved in research and many have contributed to Western Australia having the best survival rates worldwide for pancreatic, stomach, ovarian and colon cancers.

To meet our oncologists, visit Find a Specialist.

Hear the latest on cancer care and treatments from some of our leading specialists.

View all cancer blogs and podcasts.

Bendat Family Comprehensive Cancer Centre patients and visitors are eligible for a 30% discount on parking, regardless of length of stay.

Please visit the Ivy Suite Reception to validate your parking ticket.

For your convenience, parking is available immediately outside the Bendat Family Comprehensive Cancer Centre.

You can also park in our multi-storey carpark located off Salvado Road or our underground carpark near the McCourt Street Entrance.

Cancer blogs

Find out more about cancer in our health and wellbeing blogs.