Cancer care

Our cancer care oncology services

Our holistic oncology service supports your physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing, including your surgical and medical needs. We provide education, clinical expertise and support for you and your loved ones in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

We bring together clinicians from a wide range of disciplines associated with cancer treatment, including oncology, haematology and palliative care. We pride ourselves on providing a high standard of professional and multidisciplinary care with compassion and expertise.

Our services include:

• cancer-related surgery
• chemotherapy treatment
• targeted and immunotherapies
• cancer research and clinical trials
• cancer specific multidisciplinary team meetings
• allied health support (including social workers, dietitians, case managers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and pharmacists)
• pain and symptom management
• pastoral services
• specialist nurses in breast care, palliative care and oncology.

Day chemotherapy

We offer day chemotherapy services in a tranquil environment. Features such as comfortable seating, tea and coffee making facilities, and reading materials will help you feel more at home.

Radiation oncology

Depending on the cancer, radiation oncology may be used in combination with chemotherapy, or on its own. We offer specialist radiation therapy services using the latest techniques.

Research and clinical trials

By investing in research and clinical trials we are able to provide the most effective, evidence-based care to you, our patients. St John of God Health Care currently supports more than 50 cancer research projects, including clinical trials.

Supporting cancer research

St John of God Health Care understakes a wide range of cancer research projects supported through the St John of God Foundation. If you would like to find out more about these projects, or how you can support cancer research at St John of God Hospitals, visit the St John of God Foundation.  

St John of God Berwick Hospital Wig Service

The St John of God Wig Service is a free loan service available to all people in our community experiencing cancer related hair loss. Established in 2016, the service has assisted hundreds of people in our community to help maintain their self-esteem as they progress through their cancer journey.
 
The service is operated by professionally trained volunteer wig-fitters and is entirely funded by the generous donations of community organisations and individual donors. Our collection of over 200 wigs provide a broad range of styles, cuts and colours. Wigs are of a high quality, light weight to avoid over-heating of your head, and provide a natural look and feel when worn.
 
Our wig fitters will help you choose an appropriate wig and provide guidance on how to care for your wig when you are at home. Depending on the duration of your cancer treatment, you may be eligible to change your wig through the course of your cancer journey.
 
To ensure the sustainability of our service, clients are asked to return their wig when their hair grows back. Wigs are professionally sterilised before each one is loaned out, so you can feel confident that that we adhere to the highest infection control practices in place. 
 
You don’t have to be a patient of St John of God Health Care to access this service, it is available to anybody in Melbourne’s south east region and appointments can be made directly or you can be referred via your GP or oncology specialist. 
 
Location: Stephenson House, Gibb Street, Berwick
Open: Tuesdays, 10am - 2pm
Bookings essential: Ph: 03 8784 5600
*COVID restrictions apply and will be discussed at the time of your booking.

Further reading

Cancer Council Australia

Cancer Australia

Cancer blogs

Find out more about cancer in our health and wellbeing blogs.