Cancer of unknown primary treatment near Canberra
Cancer of unknown primary is a term used when a cancer has been diagnosed but the original place where the cancer started cannot be found.
In people with cancer of unknown primary, symptoms are caused by a cancer that has spread, known as metastatic cancer.
A person with a suspected or confirmed cancer of unknown primary should:
- have their care overseen by a specialist who is a member of a multidisciplinary cancer care team
- attend their first specialist appointment within two weeks of being referred by the general practitioner (GP).
Where to have treatment
The diagnosis of cancer of unknown primary is very complex and must be discussed at a multidisciplinary team meeting
Treatment centres for cancer of unknown primary
Treatment for cancer of unknown primary can include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiotherapy, and in some cases, surgery. Chemotherapy is usually the main treatment for cancer of unknown primary.
Cancer centres that provide treatment for cancer of unknown primary are listed below. Results are ordered by distance from Canberra ACT.
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Icon Cancer Centre Canberra Private Cancer Service in Bruce (6.28km)
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National Capital Private Hospital Private Hospital in Garran (7.4km)
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National Capital Private Hospital Day Chemotherapy and Infusion Private Cancer Service in Garran (7.4km)
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Canberra Region Cancer Centre Public Cancer Centre in Garran (7.79km)
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Shoalhaven Cancer Care Centre Public Cancer Centre in Nowra (140.96km)
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Riverina Cancer Care Centre Private Cancer Centre in Wagga Wagga (162.63km)
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Illawarra Cancer Care Centre Public Cancer Centre in Wollongong (186.41km)
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Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre Public Cancer Centre in Campbelltown (203.63km)
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Nepean Cancer & Wellness Centre Public Cancer Centre in Kingswood (223.36km)
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Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre Public Cancer Centre in Liverpool (223.87km)
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Other treatment centres
Results are ordered by distance from Canberra ACT.
Radiotherapy centres
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Icon Cancer Centre Canberra Private Cancer Service in Bruce (6.28km)
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Canberra Region Cancer Centre Public Cancer Centre in Garran (7.79km)
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Shoalhaven Cancer Care Centre Public Cancer Centre in Nowra (140.96km)
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Riverina Cancer Care Centre Private Cancer Centre in Wagga Wagga (162.63km)
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Illawarra Cancer Care Centre Public Cancer Centre in Wollongong (186.41km)
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Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre Public Cancer Centre in Campbelltown (203.63km)
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Nepean Cancer & Wellness Centre Public Cancer Centre in Kingswood (223.36km)
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Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre Public Cancer Centre in Liverpool (223.87km)
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St George Hospital Cancer Care Centre Public Cancer Centre in Kogarah (234.66km)
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Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre Public Cancer Centre in Westmead (236.88km)
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Children and youth services
There are services that provide specialised treatment and support to children and young people with cancer.
- Cancer services for children (0-14 years)
- Cancer services for young people (15-25 years)
Tests and timeframes
Cancer care pathways have been developed by the Cancer Council to help identify recommended care at each stage of the pathway.
Cancer of unknown Primary - Tests
Initial tests may be arranged by the general practitioner and my include blood tests, computed tomography (CT) and a biopsy.
Cancer of unknown primary - Timeframes
- A specialist appointment should take place within two weeks of GP referral
- tests should be completed within two weeks of specialist review
- treatment should commence within two weeks of the decision to treat.
Cancer of unknown Primary information
More information about the sarcoma cancer care pathway is available in these fact sheets:
- Optimal care pathway for cancer of unknown primary Quick reference guide for health professionals
- Fact sheet for patients in English and seven other languages
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