There is already a range of established wellness programs and therapies offered at Austin Health. With the guiding philosophy of our Cancer and Wellness Centre, these will be complemented with new programs and therapies in a dedicated Wellness Centre. This website will keep you up to date with these developments.

Cancer Support Groups

Cancer support groups provide friendly support and information for people with cancer, their families and carers in a relaxed environment.

Brain Tumour Support Service and Support Group

The Brain Tumour Support Service is for people with primary malignant tumours and their carers and/or family members. People with brain tumours and their families may access individual support or come to one of the regular support group activities.

Contact: Brain Tumour Support Officer on 03 9496 3315.

The program is funded through philanthropic support including the John Cummins Memorial Trust.

Living with Cancer Education Program

The Living with Cancer Education Program is run under the auspices of the Cancer Council Victoria. The program gives people with cancer and their family and friends the opportunity to learn more about cancer, its treatment and their emotional reactions to it.

Transitions’ Program

This is a series of information/discussion sessions for women who have recently finished treatment for breast cancer. Themes addressed include living with uncertainty, sexuality and intimacy, coping with the reactions of others, and creating life after cancer.

Meditation

Meditation provides simple techniques for developing a sense of overall relaxation and calming the mind. Group and individual sessions are available at Austin Health to patients and their families and staff.

Meditation is not a cure for cancer, but if practised regularly, it can improve quality of life, increase well-being and may reduce some symptoms. 

Relaxation

Relaxation can be very helpful for some people to achieve a sense of control over their illness and to reduce anxiety during what can be a very difficult time.

Look Good... Feel Better

This is a program run by beauty therapists for women undergoing cancer treatment. The aim of Look Good ... Feel Better is to assist women in looking at new ways of coping with issues such as hair loss, changes in skin tone, and self-esteem, and to restore appearance and self-image.

Music Therapy Program

Music therapy is the planned and creative use of music to attain and maintain health and wellbeing. The Centre’s registered music therapist provides this innovative program within the palliative care unit.

Art Therapy Program

Art therapy is a form of expressive therapy that uses the creative process of making art to improve a person’s well-being. This program currently operates in Austin Health’s palliative care unit and radiotherapy department and is conducted by post graduate art therapy students from La Trobe University School of Public Health.

Aromatherapy

This is available on all cancer wards and is used as a means of producing a relaxing and calming environment.

For more information on any of the programs at Austin Health Cancer Services, contact the Wellness Program Coordinator on 03 9496 3799.