Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) and HPB cancer

These cancers are varied in type, in which organ they came from, have different risk factors, and different treatments and outlooks. They are primarily named by the organ where they initially developed. Once the diagnosis is made, the next step is to determine the extent of the disease (how big is it, if it has spread locally, to local nodes, to other organs), and whether it is removable surgically. These scans are usually CT scans, and often MRI scans and PET scans are used. Sometimes minor surgery with laparoscopy, CT or endoscopic ultrasound guided biopsy is required for diagnosis and staging.

Occasionally the diagnosis is only made after surgery to remove a suspicious lump found on x-rays/scans.

All these scans, staging and treatment modalities are available at Cabrini Health.

Most of these cancers occur randomly, and many patients have no risk factors. The risk of developing some cancers is increased by smoking, being obese, and excess alcohol consumption.

Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise when you are undergoing cancer treatment is proven to have profound benefits. Research shows that if you are active and eat well while you have medical treatment, it may improve your quality of life, reduce your risk of cancer recurrence, increase your chance of survival and extend your life.

However, it can be difficult to know what to eat and how much to exercise. That’s why Cabrini offers cancer patients advice on nutrition and exercise that is backed by science and tailored to individual circumstances. Our dietitians offer nutritional support during cancer treatment to help you with weight management and advise you on the correct meal choices.

We also have a team of exercise physiologists to support you with your exercise needs. The cancer experience can take a heavy physical and mental toll on patients, and exercise is a safe and effective way to counteract some of the side effects. The latest evidence suggests regular exercise before, during and/or following cancer treatment decreases the severity of adverse effects. It has also been linked to reduced risk of developing new cancers and conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and osteoporosis.

Please ask your specialist for more information, or visit our Allied Health Centre page or call the centre on (03) 9508 1700 to book an appointment. The Cancer Oncology Society of Australia’s Position Statement on Exercise in Cancer Care is also a great source of information.

One of the benefits of being cared for at Cabrini is our dedication to world-class research. Cabrini’s Oncology Clinical Trials Program gives eligible cancer patients access to pioneering treatments, including immunotherapy and targeted therapies, for a range of cancers.

The program was established in 2003 and provides state-of-the-art care for cancer patients and continued advancements in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. We achieve this through a combination of research, education and clinical practice.

Your specialist will discuss any clinical trials offered at Cabrini, and other hospitals, that you may be eligible for. They may also connect you to relevant special access programs, which give patients access to new drugs before they are subsidized by the government.

It depends on your private health insurance policy and the type of medical tests and treatment you require. Every patient is different, so we recommend speaking to your doctors and health insurance provider. Generally, hospital cover policies pay the cost of in-hospital treatment charged by your specialist, and other costs such as accommodation and theatre fees. You may need to pay a gap, which is the difference between the total fee charged by your doctor and any Medicare rebate and health fund benefit.

Your specialist can tell you the cost of their consultations. Often the first and second visits will cost more, and a small out of pocket cost will apply for subsequent outpatient visits. If you see the specialist in hospital, or on days when you are admitted for treatment, there will usually be no out of pocket or ‘gap’ fee for the consultation.

Please note: this is a guide only. For further details please contact your private health provider.

Victoria offers four free programs for people experiencing financial hardship as the result of their cancer diagnosis: The Legal Referral Service; the Financial Planning Referral Service; the Workplace Advisory Service and the Small Business Advice Service.

Industry professionals volunteer to deliver these programs to patients experiencing financial difficulties. Cancer Council Victoria offers advice in its Cancer and Your Finances Guide. It also helps refer patients to services that may be useful.

At Cabrini we can also connect you to a social worker who can give you financial advice, such as accessing superannuation early. We understand cancer patients can experience financial hardship as a result of their diagnosis and treatment and offer a discount to eligible patients receiving chemotherapy on many services.

Ask your doctor or nurse about the Cabrini Chemotherapy Card and how it can be used to offset some of the costs of care.