Cancer
The Alfred provides a fully integrated range of cancer treatment services and modalities onsite, from surgical diagnosis, ED and ICU support, bone marrow transplantation, medical and radiation oncology and palliative care. This range of co-located cancer services is unique in the Victorian health system.
Our services
Care is provided in the one location for most adult cancers – solid tumours, blood cancers and bone marrow transplants.
A variety of treatments – chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery – are provided by the hospital’s integrated services, including:
- Medical Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
- Clinical Haematology
- Malignant Haematology & Stem Cell Transplantation
- Victorian Melanoma Service
Alfred Health Radiation Oncology provides treatment at The Alfred and at the Gippsland Cancer Care Centre in Traralgon.
Our teaching and education
Undergraduate and postgraduate teaching is offered in medical oncology. The department is also actively involved in providing education for nursing, pharmacy and allied health staff in cancer medicine.
Our research
Alfred Health researchers are involved in national and international clinical trials, investigating new treatments for various cancers.
Inroads in research include:
- the improved treatment of blood cancers
- eradication of tumours through new radiotherapy techniques
- improved treatment outcomes in various cancers like bowel cancer with the combined use of newer biological treatments (which use the body’s immune system to fight cancer or lessen side effects of treatments).
Cancer support service
The cancer service provides a comprehensive Cancer Support Service to assist all patients and families/carers with the social, physical and emotional issues associated with cancer. The centre is staffed by two cancer support nurses and volunteers.
It incorporates the Mt Aspiring Resource Room where patients with cancer and their families can access information on cancer, treatment and support.
Latest news
Melanoma - know your risk
This year, the Victorian Melanoma Service (VMS) at The Alfred has seen a significant drop in referrals. But cases of melanoma have not dropped – prompting specialists to urge all Victorians to act now before it’s too late.
Cancer doesn’t stop for COVID
Between April and June this year, notifications of breast cancers decreased almost forty percent. Head of our breast surgery unit Dr Melanie Walker said, the COVID-19 restrictions should not be deterring people from seeing their GP for a breast examination if they have symptoms or concerns.
Fertility hope for testicular cancer patients
The Alfred has banded together with a private IVF company to save a patient's chance of having children after he was diagnosed with testicular cancer.