Head and Neck Cancer Support Group
Calvary Mater Newcastle’s Head and Neck Cancer Support Group was established in July 2010 as a means of providing further support to head and neck cancer patients in the Newcastle and Hunter area.
The group meets on the 4th Wednesday of every month and is facilitated by Allied Health Professionals working within this area, and provides both education and peer support.
Next Support Group
When: Wednesday 22 January 2020 – 2pm-4pm
Where: Calvary Mater Newcastle, L2 Room 2064 (opposite Radiotherapy Treatment Area, near Auxiliary lolly sellers)
Guest speakers: Allison Fraser, Dietitian, Calvary Mater Newcastle
Allison Fraser is a dietitian with many years of experience working with Head and Neck cancer patients at Calvary Mater Newcastle. Allison’s presentation will cover how to identify a “high calorie” food. This is a skill which is crucial for successful weight management regardless of whether you are trying to gain or lose kilograms. Allison will also discuss taste changes, dry mouth and appropriate nutrition after treatment. There will be time for you to ask questions.
The second hour will then provide an opportunity for you to talk to other people with similar experiences.
Please RSVP by filling in the below Contact Us form.
Please remember if you have a partner, friend or relative who would like to attend, they are most welcome.
The group runs for two hours every month. The first hour focuses on an invited speaker with relevant education/information, while the second hour is for more informal group socialising and facilitated group sharing.
The group is an ‘open’ group that allows a person to move in and out of it depending on their needs at the time. This ‘open’ group also allows for a cross section of experience across a person’s cancer journey – from diagnosis, treatment, recovery and long term survivorship.
To date, the group has heard from a variety of different speakers including: Radiation Oncologists, Medical Oncologists, Dentists, Audiologists, Psychologists, Dietitians, Physiotherapists, Speech Pathologists and Social Workers. The group has also participated in a variety of events, such as ‘Relay for Life’, and members have undertaken Head and Neck Cancer Awareness activities including the selling of head and neck badges, wrist bands and magnets.
The group is open to any person with a diagnosis of head and neck cancer and their carers/family.
