Psycho-Oncology Service

Overview

Psycho-oncology is an interdisciplinary field at the intersection of physical, psychological, social, and behavioral aspects of the cancer experience for both patients and caregivers. In partnership with Oncology social workers we form the Psychosocial Oncology team of researchers and practitioners in the field concerned with aspects of individuals' experience with cancer beyond medical treatment, and across the cancer trajectory, including at diagnosis, during treatment, transitioning to and throughout survivorship, and approaching the end-of-life.

Psycho-oncology specifically deals with psychological reactions to the experience of cancer, the behavioral component of coping with cancer as well as health behavior change including preventative medicine, and social factors that are associated with diagnosis and treatment of cancer, including communication with providers and loved ones and social support.

Psycho-oncologists conduct psychological assessments, make diagnoses of psychological challenges, develop case formulations and provide treatment of severe psychological distress as it is manifested in cognitive, emotional, motivational, personality, spiritual and behavioural disturbances in the individuals.

Psycho-oncology addresses the psychological response of patients, their families and carers to cancer at all stages of disease as well as the psychobiological response, i.e. the psychological, behavioral, and social factors that influence risk, detection, and survival.

How to access the service

If you are concerned about a patient or their carer it is advisable to discuss your concerns with their CNC who can make a referral to the psycho-oncology service.

Psychology referrals are best received via the patient’s CNC or Oncologist.

Contact Information

Wollongong Hospital
Building D
Corner Loftus Street and New Dpato Road
Wollongong NSW 2500
02 4222 5200

7:30am - 5:00pm

Monday - Friday (excluding public holidays)

Wollongong Hospital is located close to the Wollongong CBD, near both Wollongong Train Station and the major bus routes.

Access is via the main hospital Loftus St entrance. Follow the corridor to the Medical Imaging Department, then follow the signs to ICCC.

Pedestrians can access the service via the ICCC ground entrance, Level 0, New Dapto Road, adjacent to the Cancer Care Centre patient car park.

Parking

The Illawarra Cancer Care Centre has two dedicated parking locations. One is located directly outside the cancer centre and this space is for the use of patients undergoing treatment. Alternate parking is housed within Wollongong Hospital’s multistorey car park.

Advice for disabled in getting to the service

The Illawarra Cancer Centre houses a lift which enables access to the disabled. All entry points to the Cancer Centre are disabled friendly.