Skip to main content

Gynae-oncology Cancer Service

Gynae-oncology is a term to describe cancers of the female sex organs or reproductive body parts. These include: cervix, vagina, clitoris, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, skin folds around the vagina.

Western Health has a team of staff who work together to provide a coordinated service to our patients. These team members have different roles including; treating cancer using a range of methods, assisting patients and their families at all stages of their journey, and providing information.

The team includes:

  • Gynaecological Oncologists – a specialist oncologist in gynaecological issues.
  • Medical Oncologists – to treat cancer using medications and chemotherapy.
  • Radiation Oncologists – to treat cancer using radiation.
  • Palliative Care Physicians – to provide advice regarding severe symptom management, to work to achieve the best quality of life for the person with a life-limiting illness and to provide support for family and carers.
  • Gynae Liaison Nurse – to provide information, support and referral for patients throughout their course of treatment.
  • Allied Health staff – to provide additional supports with activities of everyday living.

The Gynae-oncology service includes the following clinics: Gynae-surgery, Gynae-Oncology and Medical Oncology. The service is also involved with clinical trials, allowing patients access to the latest research and treatments.

Our clinicians

​Gynaecological Oncologist

  • Mr Anthony Richards

 

Medical Oncologist

  • A/Prof Sumitra Ananda
  • Dr Caitlin Murphy

 

Radiation Oncologist

  • Dr Perly Khau
  • Dr David Bernshaw

 

​Palliative Care Physicians

  • Dr Maria Coperchini
  • Dr Adrian Dabscheck
  • Dr Ruwani Mendis
     

Gynae Liaison Nurse

  • Bronwyn Sundblom

 

Allied Health

A range of allied health professionals work as members of our team to provide additional support to patients. Click here for more information.

Referrals

Patients will need a referral from their GP or medical practitioner to attend a specialist clinic Please bring 

copies of any films or disks with images of any scans or tests, and 

any medications that you are currently on.

This will help our doctors see what tests you have already had and know how to help you best.

Referrers
Please click here for information about referring a patient with new or suspected gynaecological cancer. Referrals should be addressed to either a named Medical Oncologist or Gynaecological Oncologist from the list above. Cancers are considered urgent referrals.

Resources

Click here to see the Prostate Cancer “What to Expect Guide”. This guide is published by Cancer Council Victoria and describes the optimal care that should be provided at each step of the cancer pathway.

Click here to go to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia website.

Refer to the Cancer Council Victoria website for more information about different types of cancer.

In the case of a life threatening emergency, call 000.
Emergency