Contents:

Bay of Plenty, Central Auckland, East Auckland, North Auckland, South Auckland, West Auckland, Hawke's Bay, Northland, Lakes > Private Hospitals & Specialists >

Canopy Cancer Care

Private Service, Oncology, Haematology

Description

What is Canopy and how can we help?

Private cancer care in Auckland (Epsom, North Shore, Warkworth and Ormiston), Tauranga, Whangārei, Hawke's Bay and also Rotorua New Zealand

What is Canopy and how can we help?

Canopy Cancer Care is a leading private clinic for adult cancer patients. Our team specialise in the care of patients requiring cancer treatment with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, antibody therapy, hormone therapy and more targeted therapies.

The Canopy vision is to offer New Zealanders world-class cancer care, delivered locally.

Every day and with every patient, we work towards this goal. The Canopy team have been providing world-class services since 2010. We have built a strong team who are all passionate about our patients and the outcomes that matter to them most. We aim to provide the highest quality of care and will co-ordinate all aspects of treatment where possible.

If you are based in Auckland, you have the option to be seen at either our Warkworth, Takapuna, Epsom or Ormiston clinics.

When confirming your appointments, please let your scheduler or nurse know your preferred location. Our teams work across all sites on a regular basis so you can be assured of the same world-class levels of care and attention.

Alongside the medical treatment we offer, Under the Canopy, an umbrella of services directly designed to aid a patient either on or after treatment. Click here to find a Canopy Cancer Care clinic. If you would like to be treated at Canopy, ask your GP or specialist for a referral. We are located in:

Epsom, Auckland
Takapuna, Auckland
Ormiston, Auckland
Warkworth, Rodney
Tauranga, Bay of Plenty
Whangārei, Northland
Hastings, Hawke's Bay
Rotorua, Bay of Plenty

Why Choose Canopy?

Quick appointment times - patients are all clinically assessed within seven days
The highest professional standards - highly experienced and dedicated specialists, nurses, dedicated pharmacists and support staff
Personalised treatment plans - by professionals committed to delivering quality care, patient experience and outcomes
Global sourcing of therapies - we have global reach to ensure patients have access to the most effective drug therapies
Individualised patient care program - our "Under the Canopy" program has been specifically designed to support patients navigate their personal cancer journey
Central locations - with easy parking and access, Canopy is co-located near other services including radiology, radiotherapy, pharmacy and cafes
Purpose designed treatment clinics - patient feedback and extensive research have resulted in calm and relaxed healing environments
Specialist on call 24/7 - for complete peace of mind
DAA Accredited - to ensure the highest levels of quality and safety

Procedures and Services Offered

Antibody Therapy
Chemotherapy
Immunotherapy
Hormone Therapy
Targeted Therapy

Areas of Interest

Genomics
Cancer Molecular Profiling
Brain Tumours
Head and Neck Cancer
Gastro-Intestinal Cancers incl:
- Gastro-Intestinal Stromal Tumour (GIST)
- Oesophageal Cancer
- Stomach Cancer
- Duodenal Cancer
- Small Bowel Cancer
- Colon Cancer
- Rectal Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer
- Anal Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Biliary Cancer
- Gallbladder Cancer
- Renal Cancer
Breast Cancer
Genitourinary Cancer incl:
- Renal Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Ureter Cancer
- Bladder Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Testicular Cancer
Gynaecological Cancer incl:
- Ovarian Cancer
- Fallopian Cancer
- Uterine Cancer
- Cervical Cancer
- Vaginal Cancer
Leukaemia
Lung Cancer
Lymphoma
Melanoma
Mesothelioma
Myeloma
Myeloproliferative Disorders
Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma
Pancreas Carcinoma
Skin Cancer/Melanoma

What is Oncology?

Oncology is the area of medicine involving cancer. An oncologist is a doctor specialising in the treatment of cancer either with chemotherapy (medical oncologist) or radiation (radiation oncologist). Other doctors are involved in the treatment of cancer such as surgeons, palliative care specialists (doctors who specialise in the treatment of symptoms from cancer that cannot be cured) and general physicians (who often are involved in the diagnosis of cancer). If you have cancer you are likely to be referred to some of these doctors depending on the type of treatment that is advised. The Oncology Service also consists of specialised nurses, therapists and social workers as the diagnosis of cancer can affect people and their families in many ways. The Oncology Department also works alongside hospices and the Cancer Society www.cancernz.org.nz who provide support to people with the diagnosis of cancer.

What is Cancer?

Everyone’s body is made up of millions of cells, which normally grow, divide and are renewed in a balanced or programmed way. Sometimes this process is disrupted and the cells grow in an uncontrolled way – a solid group of these cells is called a tumour. Another word commonly used for tumour is growth and it can mean the same thing.

A tumour/growth can be benign (grows but will not spread into different parts of the body) or malignant (spreads into different parts of the body as well as grows locally). Tumours spread by cells travelling through the lymphatic system (the body’s cleaning system) to lymph nodes (often known as glands) or through blood to other organs in the body. These cells can then multiply. If this happens the cancer is called metastatic.

Cancer isn't contagious, so you can go on being close to family and friends.

Consultants

Note: Please note below that some people are not available at all locations.

Dr Edmond Ang

Medical Oncologist

Available at 121 Bank Street, Whangārei
Dr Paula Barlow

Medical Oncologist

Available at 310 Orchard Road, Hastings
Dr Oliver Brake

Haematologist

Available at 850 Cameron Road, Tauranga South, Tauranga
Dr Elliott Brenman

Medical Oncologist

Available at 850 Cameron Road, Tauranga South, Tauranga
Dr Reuben Broom

Medical Oncologist

Available at 98 Mountain Road, Epsom, 213 Shakespeare Road, Takapuna, Auckland
Dr Peter Browett

Haematologist

Available at 98 Mountain Road, Epsom, 213 Shakespeare Road, Takapuna, Auckland
Dr Laird Cameron

Medical Oncologist

Available at 98 Mountain Road, Epsom
Dr Jonathan Davis

Medical Oncologist

Available at 850 Cameron Road, Tauranga South, Tauranga
Dr Lisa Dawson

Medical Oncologist

Available at 121 Bank Street, Whangārei
Dr Richard Doocey

Haematologist

Available at 98 Mountain Road, Epsom, 213 Shakespeare Road, Takapuna, Auckland
Dr Peter Fong

Medical Oncologist

Available at 98 Mountain Road, Epsom, 213 Shakespeare Road, Takapuna, Auckland
Dr Simon Fu

Medical Oncologist

Available at 98 Mountain Road, Epsom
Dr Fritha Hanning

Medical Oncologist

Available at 98 Mountain Road, Epsom
Dr Prashanth Hari Dass

Medical Oncologist

Available at Southern Cross Rotorua Hospital
Dr Michelle Head

Medical Oncologist

Available at 850 Cameron Road, Tauranga South, Tauranga
Dr Carmel Jacobs

Medical Oncologist

Available at 213 Shakespeare Road, Takapuna, Auckland
Dr Joanna Jones

Medical Oncologist

Available at 850 Cameron Road, Tauranga South, Tauranga
Dr Jody Jordan

Medical Oncologist

Available at 310 Orchard Road, Hastings
Dr Ben Lawrence

Medical Oncologist

Available at 98 Mountain Road, Epsom
Dr Nicola Lawrence

Medical Oncologist

Available at 98 Mountain Road, Epsom, 213 Shakespeare Road, Takapuna, Auckland
Dr Aileen Ludlow

Medical Oncologist

Available at 98 Mountain Road, Epsom
Dr Daisy Wing Mak

Medical Oncologist

Available at 98 Mountain Road, Epsom, 213 Shakespeare Road, Takapuna, Auckland
Dr Mike McCrystal

Medical Oncologist

Available at 98 Mountain Road, Epsom, 213 Shakespeare Road, Takapuna, Auckland
Dr Eileen Merriman

Haematologist

Available at 213 Shakespeare Road, Takapuna, Auckland
Dr Vince Newton

Medical Oncologist

Available at 121 Bank Street, Whangārei
Dr Sze (Henry) Ngu

Haematologist

Available at 98 Mountain Road, Epsom, 213 Shakespeare Road, Takapuna, Auckland
Dr Richard North

Medical Oncologist

Available at 850 Cameron Road, Tauranga South, Tauranga
Dr Osama Salih

Medical Oncologist

Available at 98 Mountain Road, Epsom, 213 Shakespeare Road, Takapuna, Auckland
Dr Richard Sullivan

Medical Oncologist

Available at 98 Mountain Road, Epsom, 213 Shakespeare Road, Takapuna, Auckland
Dr William Thompson

Medical Oncologist

Available at 850 Cameron Road, Tauranga South, Tauranga
Dr Naera Waters

Medical Oncologist

Available at 98 Mountain Road, Epsom, 213 Shakespeare Road, Takapuna, Auckland
Dr Alistair Wickham

Medical Oncologist

Available at Southern Cross Rotorua Hospital
Dr Michelle Wilson

Medical Oncologist

Available at 98 Mountain Road, Epsom
Dr Abbey Wrigley

Medical Oncologist

Available at 98 Mountain Road, Epsom, 213 Shakespeare Road, Takapuna, Auckland, Rodney Surgical Centre, 77 Morrison Drive, Warkworth, Auckland

Referral Expectations

To be treated at Canopy Cancer Care patients will need a referral from a GP or Specialist.

The background information they supply will include details of the patient's medical history and the results of the investigations such as blood tests and scans. This information and the referral needs to be sent directly to Canopy Cancer Care at . If you are in the Bay of Plenty region please send referrals to admintauranga@canopycancercare.co.nz.

Once this information is received, one of our schedulers will contact the patient to make an appointment with the appropriate oncologist or haematologist.

Please click here to learn more about the appointment process.

Fees and Charges Description

An indication of treatment costs will be given at the first consultation. Patients will need to discuss their insurance position with their oncologist.

Canopy Cancer Care is a Southern Cross Affiliated Provider and also a nib First Choice Provider.

Procedures / Treatments

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of medicines to kill or reduce the spread of cancer cells and is the treatment used at Canopy Cancer Care. Chemotherapy is given as cycles and may be given once a day, once a week or even once a month. This depends on the type of cancer and the best regimen (course) as determined by research. Chemotherapy, unlike radiation (which treats only the part of the body exposed to the radiation), treats the entire body. As a result, any cells that may have escaped from where the cancer originated are treated. A doctor who prescribes chemotherapy is known as a medical oncologist. Depending on what type of cancer you have and whether it has spread, your doctor may use chemotherapy to: Eliminate all cancer cells in your body, even when cancer is widespread Prolong your life by controlling cancer growth and spread or Relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life. Most chemotherapy drugs are given in one of the following ways: You might take a tablet or medicine orally (swallow) It may be given intravenously as an injection over a short period of time or as an infusion over a longer period of time. For these treatments you come into the Department usually for part of the day. Side effects Some people have no side effects at all from chemotherapy. Sometimes, however, chemotherapy will make you feel sick. As each type of chemotherapy has different side effects they will be discussed with you prior to starting any treatment so you know what to expect. Chemotherapy targets cells that are quickly dividing, whether it's a cancer cell or not. Therefore, some non-cancer cells that divide quickly are also damaged. The following is a list of some normal cells that divide quickly in the body and may be susceptible to the effects of chemotherapy: Cells in your hair (can cause hair loss) Cells of the skin and mouth (can cause sores in your mouth and dry skin) Cells in your stomach and intestines (can cause you to feel sick, vomit or have diarrhoea) Cells in your bone marrow. This is where your red and white blood cells are made. White blood cells fight infections, so temporarily you are very prone to these and they can become serious. Loss of red blood cells can make you anaemic and tired. There are many medicines you can take to reduce or lessen these unwanted effects of chemotherapy. In some cases, chemotherapy may be the only treatment you need. More often, it's used in conjunction with other treatments, such as surgery or radiation, to improve results. For example, you may receive: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The goal of neoadjuvant therapy is to reduce the size of a tumour with chemotherapy before surgery or radiation therapy. Adjuvant chemotherapy. Given after surgery or radiation, the goal of adjuvant chemotherapy is to eliminate any cancer cells that might linger in your body following earlier treatments.

A doctor who prescribes chemotherapy is known as a medical oncologist.

Depending on what type of cancer you have and whether it has spread, your doctor may use chemotherapy to:

Eliminate all cancer cells in your body, even when cancer is widespread
Prolong your life by controlling cancer growth and spread or
Relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Most chemotherapy drugs are given in one of the following ways:

You might take a tablet or medicine orally (swallow)
It may be given intravenously as an injection over a short period of time or as an infusion over a longer period of time. For these treatments you come into the Department usually for part of the day.

Side effects

Some people have no side effects at all from chemotherapy. Sometimes, however, chemotherapy will make you feel sick. As each type of chemotherapy has different side effects they will be discussed with you prior to starting any treatment so you know what to expect. Chemotherapy targets cells that are quickly dividing, whether it's a cancer cell or not. Therefore, some non-cancer cells that divide quickly are also damaged. The following is a list of some normal cells that divide quickly in the body and may be susceptible to the effects of chemotherapy:

Cells in your hair (can cause hair loss)
Cells of the skin and mouth (can cause sores in your mouth and dry skin)
Cells in your stomach and intestines (can cause you to feel sick, vomit or have diarrhoea)
Cells in your bone marrow. This is where your red and white blood cells are made. White blood cells fight infections, so temporarily you are very prone to these and they can become serious. Loss of red blood cells can make you anaemic and tired.

There are many medicines you can take to reduce or lessen these unwanted effects of chemotherapy.

In some cases, chemotherapy may be the only treatment you need. More often, it's used in conjunction with other treatments, such as surgery or radiation, to improve results. For example, you may receive:

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The goal of neoadjuvant therapy is to reduce the size of a tumour with chemotherapy before surgery or radiation therapy.
Adjuvant chemotherapy. Given after surgery or radiation, the goal of adjuvant chemotherapy is to eliminate any cancer cells that might linger in your body following earlier treatments.

Making the Diagnosis

Cancer is diagnosed with a number of tests but usually a biopsy is needed. This is where a sample of the lesion/growth is sent to the laboratory to be examined under the microscope. This can tell the doctors exactly what type of cancer is present and guides them to what sort of treatment might be best. Samples can be obtained with different techniques: Fine needle aspirate (FNA): a small needle is inserted into a lump and some cells are sucked out and sent to the laboratory. If the lump is on the surface of your body the doctor will do this in the consultation room with some local anaesthetic injected into the skin so the procedure won’t hurt. If the tumour is inside your body a FNA can still be done but it is done with guidance from a CT scanner or ultrasound so the doctor can see where the needle needs to go. This is done by a specialist radiologist (a doctor trained in the speciality of x-rays). Biopsy: a small piece of a lesion is cut out and sent to the laboratory. If it is on the outside of your body this procedure is done with local anaesthetic (makes the area numb so it doesn’t hurt). Sometimes it can be done by putting tiny telescopes into areas they can’t reach to take the biopsy. Sometimes an operation is required to be sure about the diagnosis. Endoscopy: a flexible tube with a viewing lens and a fibre optic light on the end is passed through natural body orifices (openings) to view the colon (colonoscopy), stomach (gastroscopy) or lungs (bronchoscopy). Laparoscopy: similar to endoscopy, but requires a small cut (incision) to be made in the body such as the abdominal (tummy) wall. The laparoscope is then pushed through the incision to look for possible areas of cancer, which can then be biopsied. When this type of procedure is done in the chest it is called a thoracoscopy or mediastinoscopy. Other tests are often needed to establish the diagnosis and extent of a cancer. These include blood and urine tests, CT or MRI scans, ultrasounds, nuclear medicine scans. Once the diagnosis is established you will meet with various specialists to talk about what treatment options are available and the benefits and risks of those treatments as well as what the diagnosis means. It is a good idea to have a support person with you for these consultations as a lot of information is often given and it can be hard to take it all in. It is a good idea to write down a list of questions you might want to ask.

Samples can be obtained with different techniques:

Fine needle aspirate (FNA): a small needle is inserted into a lump and some cells are sucked out and sent to the laboratory. If the lump is on the surface of your body the doctor will do this in the consultation room with some local anaesthetic injected into the skin so the procedure won’t hurt. If the tumour is inside your body a FNA can still be done but it is done with guidance from a CT scanner or ultrasound so the doctor can see where the needle needs to go. This is done by a specialist radiologist (a doctor trained in the speciality of x-rays).

Biopsy: a small piece of a lesion is cut out and sent to the laboratory. If it is on the outside of your body this procedure is done with local anaesthetic (makes the area numb so it doesn’t hurt). Sometimes it can be done by putting tiny telescopes into areas they can’t reach to take the biopsy. Sometimes an operation is required to be sure about the diagnosis.

Endoscopy: a flexible tube with a viewing lens and a fibre optic light on the end is passed through natural body orifices (openings) to view the colon (colonoscopy), stomach (gastroscopy) or lungs (bronchoscopy).

Laparoscopy: similar to endoscopy, but requires a small cut (incision) to be made in the body such as the abdominal (tummy) wall. The laparoscope is then pushed through the incision to look for possible areas of cancer, which can then be biopsied. When this type of procedure is done in the chest it is called a thoracoscopy or mediastinoscopy.

Other tests are often needed to establish the diagnosis and extent of a cancer. These include blood and urine tests, CT or MRI scans, ultrasounds, nuclear medicine scans.

Once the diagnosis is established you will meet with various specialists to talk about what treatment options are available and the benefits and risks of those treatments as well as what the diagnosis means. It is a good idea to have a support person with you for these consultations as a lot of information is often given and it can be hard to take it all in. It is a good idea to write down a list of questions you might want to ask.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is the oldest form of treatment for cancer but is not a procedure offered at Canopy Cancer Care. Surgery offers the greatest chance for cure for many types of cancer, especially those cancers that have not yet spread to other parts of the body. People often will only see a surgeon for the surgical treatment of cancer. If other treatments are thought to add benefit you may be referred to an oncologist. If chemotherapy treatment is required you may be referred to Canopy Cancer Care by your surgeon. Preparing for surgery Both you and your doctor need to prepare before surgery to make sure you have the best chance for a good outcome. For your part, this involves knowing what to expect (as much as possible) and being comfortable that the decision you’ve made is the best one for you. Knowing as much as you can about your care plan can help reduce your level of stress. Informed consent is one of the most important parts of your preparation for surgery. It is a process during which you give your written permission for your doctor to perform surgery, after you have been informed of all aspects of the treatment.

People often will only see a surgeon for the surgical treatment of cancer. If other treatments are thought to add benefit you may be referred to an oncologist. If chemotherapy treatment is required you may be referred to Canopy Cancer Care by your surgeon.

Preparing for surgery

Both you and your doctor need to prepare before surgery to make sure you have the best chance for a good outcome. For your part, this involves knowing what to expect (as much as possible) and being comfortable that the decision you’ve made is the best one for you. Knowing as much as you can about your care plan can help reduce your level of stress.

Informed consent is one of the most important parts of your preparation for surgery. It is a process during which you give your written permission for your doctor to perform surgery, after you have been informed of all aspects of the treatment.

Radiotherapy

Radiation therapy uses special equipment to deliver high doses of radiation (beam of x-rays) to cancerous tumours, to kill or damage them so they cannot grow or spread. Normal cells may be affected by radiation, but most appear to recover fully from the effects of the treatment. Radiation therapy affects only the tumour and the surrounding area. Some cancers are very sensitive to radiation but not all. Radiotherapy is usually given in small doses over a period of time; this is known as a course. A doctor who manages your radiotherapy is called a radiation oncologist. Some common side effects of radiation treatment include: Fatigue or tiredness During the first 2 weeks of treatment, a faint and short lasting redness may occur on your skin. Dryness and peeling of the skin may occur in 3 to 4 weeks. The skin over the treatment area may become darker. Mucositis (inflammation of the lining of the mouth) is a temporary side effect that may happen when radiation is given to the head and neck area. Radiation to the head and neck area can increase your chances of getting cavities. Before starting radiation therapy, notify your dentist and plan for a complete check-up. When radiation treatments include the chest area, the lungs can be affected and you may experience shortness of breath or cough. Radiation to the abdomen may result in swelling and inflammation of the intestines, causing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea. Canopy Cancer Care do not administer radiotherapy. They are specialists in chemotherapy.

Radiotherapy is usually given in small doses over a period of time; this is known as a course. A doctor who manages your radiotherapy is called a radiation oncologist.

Some common side effects of radiation treatment include:

Fatigue or tiredness
During the first 2 weeks of treatment, a faint and short lasting redness may occur on your skin. Dryness and peeling of the skin may occur in 3 to 4 weeks. The skin over the treatment area may become darker.
Mucositis (inflammation of the lining of the mouth) is a temporary side effect that may happen when radiation is given to the head and neck area.
Radiation to the head and neck area can increase your chances of getting cavities. Before starting radiation therapy, notify your dentist and plan for a complete check-up.
When radiation treatments include the chest area, the lungs can be affected and you may experience shortness of breath or cough.
Radiation to the abdomen may result in swelling and inflammation of the intestines, causing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea.

Canopy Cancer Care do not administer radiotherapy. They are specialists in chemotherapy.

Alternative Treatments

It is very common for people with cancer to want to try other non-medical treatments such as diet or alternative/complementary medicines offered by other practitioners. It is important for your oncology team to know what other therapies you might be taking as sometimes there can be interactions with their treatment.

Ancillary Services - Under the Canopy

Ancillary services are an integral part of the Canopy Care philosophy. There are a number of different providers who work with the team to provide nutrition, fitness and wellbeing services. https://www.canopycancercare.co.nz/under-the-canopy

Ancillary services are an integral part of the Canopy Care philosophy. There are a number of different providers who work with the team to provide nutrition, fitness and wellbeing services.

https://www.canopycancercare.co.nz/under-the-canopy

Visiting Hours

We encourage patients to bring a support person with them during their consultations and treatments. There are no set visiting hours.

Refreshments

During your treatment, light refreshments including tea and coffee will be available. There is also a cafe on site should you require it.

MercyAscot support service

Travel Directions

Canopy Cancer Care is located in Mercy Hospital, at 98 Mountain Road, Epsom. The hospital is approximately 6 kms from Auckland City Centre. The shopping area of Newmarket is a five-minute car journey from the hospital. The mall 277 on Broadway is approximately 2kms away.

The journey from Auckland Airport is less than 20kms.

Once on Mountain Rd, please enter through Gate 3 and follow the signs.

Please view a map of Mercy Hospital and our location here.