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Chevron ​​​MDT a​nd clinics


Dr Benjamin Harris image 
​Tumour Stream Lead
Dr Benjamin Harris


What are thoracic (lung) cancers?

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Thoracic cancers are tumours that occur within the chest (thorax).  They include small-cell and non-small cell lung cancers, mesothelioma and thymic cancers.


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Our service​

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The thoracic team at the NSCC manages all types and stages of lung cancer from diagnosis, treatment and supportive care, including assessment of symptoms and side effects.

Patient cases are discussed at a multi-disciplinary team meeting (MDT) to ensure the best possible treatment recommendation is made. Our multidisciplinary team includes respiratory physicians; surgeons; medical oncologists; radiation oncologists; pathologists; radiologists; nurses; and other healthcare professionals all working together to provide care to patients with a thoracic malignancy.

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Multidisciplinar​y team (MDT) and clinics

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  • MDT occurs weekly on Friday mornings
  • Public respiratory clinics – Northern Specialist Centre – Monday afternoon, Tuesday and Thursday mornings
  • Medical oncology lung clinics – Tuesday and Friday mornings NSCC
  • Radiation oncology lung clinic – Friday mornings NSCC
  • Surgery is done at the public but patients have the initial consult in private rooms.


Diseases

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  • Small-cell lung cancer
  • Non-small cell lung cancer
  • Malignant pleural mesothelioma
  • Thymic carcinoma

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Lung cancer experts​​​

Respiratory
Dr Benjamin Harris
Dr Michael Hibbert  
Dr Garrick Don

Surgeons
​Dr Michael Harden
Dr Levi Bassin   
Dr Manu Mather
Dr Peter Brady

Radiation oncologists
Dr Dasantha Jayamanne
Dr Sarah Bergamin

Medical oncologists
Dr Malinda Itchins
Prof Nick Pavlakis 
Prof Stephen Clarke 
Dr Ben Kong

Lung clinical nurse consultant
CNC Helen Westman (Monday-Friday)​

​Cancer Nurse Coordinators​​​​

  • Helen Westman, Lung Cancer Nurse (Monday-Friday)

    I have over 18 years’ experience as an oncology nurse with a Masters in Cancer Nursing and Public Health. I am committed to improving outcomes for lung cancer patients and coordinate the care of those with suspected thoracic malignancy, early and advanced stage disease. I work closely with the multidisciplinary team.

    I am an active member of national and international thoracic cancer nursing organisations and am the NSW steering committee representative for the Australian and New Zealand Lung Cancer Nurses Forum (ANZLCNF).

Affiliations/pa​rtners

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Questions to ask your doctor​​
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When diagnosed with cancer, it's common to feel overwhelmed and forget questions to ask the doctor. The Cancer Council offers a list of suggested questions for you or your carer to ask at appointments.

These can help you be more involved in your care.



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Useful links​

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ChevronFor information on cancers, support and services:External LinkCancer Coun​cil NSW
ChevronFor information on cancer treatments and patient information sheets:External LinkeviQ (Cancer Treatment Online)
Chevron ​For information on lung cancer:External LinkLung Foundation Australia​
ChevronFor information about work-related dust diseases (e.g. mesothelioma), support groups, compensation visit iCare and search mesothelioma, iCare Mesothelioma or click here: External Link​Compensation eligibility caused by dust disease at work | icare ​