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Allied Health Professionals are a key part of your cancer care team and can support you and your family in a range of ways. The Allied Health team work closely with the doctors, nurses and other members of your care team.
At the Northern Cancer Service, the Allied Health team is made up of:
- Dietitians
- Occupational Therapists
- Physiotherapists
- Speech Pathologists
- And may also include Audiologists, Podiatrists, Psychologists, Orthotists, Prosthetists, and the Outpatients Rehabilitation Service.
Allied health professionals are specialists in working with you to maintain your quality of life, your independence, and to help you manage some of the possible symptoms and side effects from your treatment.
You may be referred to see a member of the Allied Health team before you start your cancer treatment- this is known as a pre-treatment review. The aim of this review is to assess how you are currently managing and provide support and education to help reduce the side effects of your treatment.
During your treatment you may benefit from a single visit or regular support from an Allied Health Professional who can help by providing education and practical strategies to assist in areas such as:
- Maintaining food intake and preventing weight loss.
- Swallowing difficulty/ dry mouth and throat.
- Communication and voice changes.
- Education and support for family.
- Trauma support and education.
- Adjusting to physical changes because of cancer or cancer treatment.
- Support for tiredness and fatigue.
- Exercise plan.
- Lymphoedema management.
- Providing treatment or information for independence and mobility.
If you are experiencing any of the issues described, please talk to your doctor or cancer nurse at your next visit, or give your local cancer centre a call to ask about how to arrange a referral.
