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: