Pancreatic cancer treatment near Ballina

A person with a suspected or confirmed pancreatic cancer 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).

There are a number of recommended hospitals for pancreatic cancer surgery. Ideally, people with pancreatic cancer should be referred to a specialist at one of these hospitals.

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Who to see

Please note the nearest cancer specialist for pancreatic cancer may be over 100 kms from Ballina NSW. Support may be available for transport and accommodation.

The diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer involves a team of specialists. Initial referral should be to a gastroenterologist or pancreatic surgeon.

A referral from a general practitioner (GP) is required for an appointment.

Where to have treatment

Treatment for pancreatic cancer may include surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Many people with pancreatic cancer have a combination of these treatments.

Recommended hospitals for pancreatic cancer surgery

Hospitals that have a specialist pancreatic cancer centre are listed below. Find out why these hospitals are recommended. Results are ordered by distance from Ballina NSW.

Other treatment centres

Results are ordered by distance from Ballina NSW.

Find a cancer care team

All people with pancreatic cancer in NSW should have their treatment overseen by a multidisciplinary cancer care team (MDT).

A multidisciplinary cancer care team is a group of health care professionals who work together to ensure that a patient receives the best care and outcomes.

Children and youth services

There are services that provide specialised treatment and support to children and young people with cancer.

Tests and timeframes

National optimal care pathways have been developed to guide recommended care at each stage of the cancer pathway.

Initial tests may be organised by the general practitioner (GP) and may include an abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan. 

If jaundice is present, additional tests may include:

  • liver function tests
  • abdominal ultrasound
  • CT scan (where appropriate).

  • Initial tests should be performed within two weeks of general practitioner (GP) presentation.
  • People who present with jaundice should have their test ordered within 48 hours and the results followed up.
  • If there is a high suspicion of pancreatic cancer, the specialist consultation should take place within one week.
  • Initial treatment should commence within four weeks of the initial diagnosis, depending upon clinical urgency.

More information about the pancreatic cancer care pathway is available in these fact sheets:

  • Optimal care pathway for pancreatic cancer Quick reference guide for health professionals.
  • Fact sheet for patients in plain English and seven other languages

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