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Auckland DHB Oncology Services

Public Service, Oncology, Cancer Network Group

Description

Our service is part of the Regional Cancer and Blood Service at Auckland District Health Board.  Our teams are specialists in providing care in haematology, medical oncology and radiation oncology. We are here to ensure that you get the best care with the best possible outcome for you and your whānau. This video is here to introduce all of our services to you.

 

What is Oncology?
Oncology is the area of medicine to do with treatment of cancer. Many different specialties manage cancer treatment. Surgery (Surgical Oncology) uses operations to diagnose cancer and treat it by removing it from people's bodies. Medical Oncology uses medicines or drugs  to treat solid tumours such as cancer of breast, bowel, and lung. Radiation Oncology uses radiation, mostly from powerful x-ray machines, to treat tumours. Haematology (Haemato-Oncology) treats tumours of blood such as leukaemia and lymphoma. Palliative Care uses medicines to control the symptoms of cancer to alleviate any suffering.

 

All these specialties work closely together at the Regional Cancer and Blood Service or they are part of ADHB. Sometimes cancer treatment may involve more than one specialty team depending on your type of cancer and its extent. Much cancer can be cured nowadays or controlled, but because there is still a long way to go, we are also involved with Clinical Trials research in search of better ways of treatment. We work closely with organisations such as the Cancer Society to ensure that people who come to our service have access to information and community support services.

 

The staff of the Oncology Service includes specialist doctors, nurses, therapists, pharmacists, physicists, psychologists, clerical staff and social workers. We know that cancer's impact on peoples' lives is often more than just physical. As a teaching hospital, we also have the next generation of professionals in training. There is always supervision from experienced staff.

 

What is Cancer? 
The human body is made of millions of cells which normally grow, divide and are renewed in a controlled way. Sometimes this control is lost, and the cells keep growing. A solid group of these cells is called a tumour or "growth".

 

Tumours can be benign (grows in one place but does not travel to different parts of the body) or malignant (invades locally and travels to different parts of the body). Malignant tumour cells may travel through the lymphatic system (the body’s drainage system) to lymph nodes or through blood to other parts of the body. These cells can then multiply to make secondary growths.  If this happens the cancer is called metastatic.

 

Cancer is not contagious, it cannot spread to family or friends. Sometimes, however, people can share the causes of cancer, such as smoking or genetic risks.

Consultants

Referral Expectations

Usually referral to the Cancer Service is by letter from another doctor, such as a GP or surgeon. One of our consultant oncologists will read through the letter, and ask our clerical staff to book an appointment taking account of the urgency of the condition.

When you come to Oncology Outpatients you will be seen by a member of the Oncology Team who will ask questions about your illness, examine you, and discuss the management of your condition. We encourage people to bring a family member or other support person to sit in on their visit.

Procedures / Treatments

  • Chemotherapy

    Chemotherapy uses specialised medicines to kill cancer cells. These medicines spread throughout the body (systemic treatment) and so can treat cancer cells in most places.… More

  • 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 helpful for your oncology team to know what other therapies you might be taking as sometimes there can be interactions with their treatment. More

Services Provided

Hospitals and cancer treatment centres

  • Regional cancer & blood centres
  • Public hospitals

Cancer Types

Lung, Breast, Upper Gastrointestinal (Oesophagus / Stomach / Liver), Lower Gastrointestinal (Bowel / Rectum / Anus), Kidney, Bladder, Testicular, Prostate, Gynaecological, Leukaemia and Blood, Skin Cancer / Melanoma, Sarcoma, Childhood Cancers, Others

Website

www.adhb.health.nz

Contact Details

Auckland City Hospital

Central Auckland

  • Patient enquiries

    (09) 375 4300

  • Known extension/pager

    (09) 307 4949

  • Admission & Planning Unit

    Ext 24210 / 23225 

  • Acute Referrals Service

    (09) 375 7030, Ext: 24048 

  • Emergency Department

    (09) 376 0000, open 24 hours / 7 days

  • Outpatient appointments & surgical booking enquiries

    (09) 638 0400 / scheduling@adhb.govt.nz 

Mental Health Services

  • 24 Hour Crisis Line

    0800 800717

  • GP / External Specialist Help Desk

    (09) 307 2800

Regional Cancer and Blood Service
Buildings 7 and 8, Auckland City Hospital
2 Park Road, Grafton
Auckland 1023

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Street Address

Regional Cancer and Blood Service
Buildings 7 and 8, Auckland City Hospital
2 Park Road, Grafton
Auckland 1023

Postal Address

Regional Cancer and Blood Service
Private Bag 92024
Auckland Mail Centre
Auckland 1142

This page was last updated at 9:22AM on March 18, 2021. This information is reviewed and edited by Auckland DHB Oncology Services.