Calvary Health Care

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 4^th Wednesday of every month and is facilitated by Allied Health Professionals working within this area, and provides both education and peer support.

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.

Who can attend?

The group is open to any person with a diagnosis of head and neck cancer and their carers/family.

The staff at Calvary Mater Newcastle invite you to attend the Head and Neck Cancer Support Group.

This month we welcome Specialist Dentist, Dr Gunjan Verma, one of Australia's 28 Special Needs Dentistry specialists.

Dr Verma is dedicated to providing oral healthcare to individuals with medical complexities and completed his undergraduate studies at The University of Adelaide in 2013. Dr Verma works as a private practitioner in Charlestown and has recently taken up the role of visiting dental specialist for Hunter New England LHD.

Cancer treatments can lead to numerous oral health issues including dry mouth (xerostomia), increased risk of infections, mouth sores, and tooth decay. It is imperative for cancer patients to receive proactive dental care throughout and after their treatment experience. Dr Verma will discuss the importance of oral health, common oral health issues and strategies to assist management of common oral health needs.

The second hour of the support group will then provide an opportunity for you to talk to other people with similar experiences.

Please remember if you have a partner, friend or relative who would like to come they are most welcome.

Group Details: