Rectal cancer treatment near Flinders

A person with a suspected or confirmed rectal 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 rectal cancer surgery. Ideally, people with rectal cancer should be referred to a specialist at one of these hospitals.

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Who to see

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

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

Where to have treatment

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

Recommended hospitals for rectal cancer surgery

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

Other treatment centres

Results are ordered by distance from Flinders NSW.

Find a cancer care team

All people with rectal 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 arranged by the general practitioner (GP) and may include

  • a physical examination
  • digital rectal examination
  • blood tests
  • colonoscopy.

  • Initial tests should be performed within one week of general practitioner (GP) presentation.
  • If symptoms suggest cancer, a colonoscopy should be done within four weeks.
  • The specialist consultation should take place within two weeks of the initial GP appointment.

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

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

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