Why medical oncology may be required
Most types of cancer require treatment with medications, often alongside other treatments such as surgery or radiotherapy. Chemotherapy, for example, may be used to shrink a tumour so that it can be removed. You may be receiving hormone therapy to reduce the chance of cancers such as breast cancer returning, or immunotherapy might be used to treat a variety of cancers or used as part of a clinical trial.
Receiving medical treatment
How you receive your medical oncology treatment depends on a variety of factors. These include your cancer type, your individual needs and the stage of your treatment plan.
Inpatients
Inpatients stay at the ONJ Centre on one of our specialist wards and receive treatment either on their ward or in one of our specialist departments such as Day Oncology.
Outpatients
Outpatients will receive their medical oncology treatments in one of our specialist departments and have appointments with their medical oncologist in one of our Specialist Clinics. Most cancer clinics are in the ONJ Centre, but some may be in one of the other Austin Health buildings.
As an outpatient, you will receive a letter with your clinic appointment time and its location. Your letter will include a barcode and, if your appointment is at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre, you can use that barcode at the self-check in kiosks at the main entry. Volunteers are on-site to assist you.
If you are unsure about where to go please contact Specialist Clinics.