A cancer diagnosis is life-changing and the first appointment with your oncology team can feel overwhelming. You may be anxious, uncertain, or flooded with questions about your diagnosis, your future, and what comes next.
At Hunter Valley Oncology, we do what we can to ease that burden with compassionate and personalised care from the very first visit. We serve patients across Newcastle, Maitland, and Nelson Bay, offering qualified treatment close to home. Whichever cancer you are facing – lung, breast, colon, prostate or other – this guide has been created to help you feel more prepared and supported at your first oncology appointment.
Your first oncology appointment is a chance for your medical team to get to know you, understand your medical history and begin developing a personalised treatment plan. Here’s what to bring:
Emotional preparation is just as important. It’s normal to feel anxious or unsure. Remember: you don’t have to know all the answers today. The goal of this first appointment is to establish a starting point and our team is here to guide you through it.
From the moment you arrive at Hunter Valley Oncology, our friendly admin team will help you feel welcome and at ease. Your first visit will typically involve:
You will be introduced to your medical oncologist, and after a discussion and getting more familiar, your oncologist will:
You may also be introduced to your oncology nurse, who will assist with symptom management and answer questions, as well as our patient services team, who can help coordinate tests, referrals, or treatment schedules.
Our team is your team. We are here to help you understand your condition, treatment options, symptom management, next steps and all the support resources available to you.
It’s completely okay not to understand everything right away. Your oncologist is there to answer your questions and no question is too small. If we haven’t covered these in your appointment already, here are some important questions you might want to consider:
Cancer affects more than just the body; it impacts every aspect of your life. At Hunter Valley Oncology we have a whole-person approach to care, and encourage our patients to do the same for themselves. Between onsite services and our trusted networks of local providers, we can guide, refer and connect you to a range of holistic care services.
Allied Health Professionals
We can provide referral to local allied health services such as physiotherapy, exercise physiology, acupuncture and massage therapy.
Nutritional Support and Dieticians
These partnering providers can help manage appetite changes, weight loss management, nutrition and nausea, tailored for you and your symptoms.
Social Work Services
These services can assist with family support, work issues, household tasks and transport.
Palliative Care or Home Care
If needed, we can connect you to palliative and home care services for during and after your treatment.
Counselling and Mental Health Services
Professional support for your mental health and wellbeing, especially during a time anyone would need help navigating and processing.
Support Groups
Our team and community may be able to suggest local support groups for connection and encouragement. Many find peer groups helpful with understanding that comes from lived experience.
We also encourage the involvement of your carers or loved ones. They’re an important part of your support system and are welcome at appointments.
Cost concerns can add another layer of emotional weight after a cancer diagnosis for a lot of patients. At Hunter Valley Oncology, the team will explain consultation fees, rebates and treatment-related costs before care begins so there is no added and unexpected financial stress. Here are some considerations to know:
If you have any financial concerns, please speak with our patient support team. We’re here to help you find solutions.
One of the biggest advantages of receiving treatment through Hunter Valley Oncology is accessibility. You don’t need to travel to Sydney for expert oncology care, we’re proud to support patients locally across Newcastle, Maitland and Nelson Bay.
This means you can attend appointments and receive ongoing treatment without the burden of long travel, allowing you to stay close to your support network and familiar environment.
A first oncology appointment can feel like a lot to take in. It is also a chance to ask questions, understand your diagnosis and begin planning care that reflects your treatment needs and personal circumstances.
Hunter Valley Oncology sees patients with every type of cancer, including lung cancer, breast cancer, bowel cancer and prostate cancer. Our compassionate, qualified team becomes your team, and we’re ready to welcome and support you.
If you have recently been diagnosed, contact Hunter Valley Oncology to book an appointment and take the next step in your care close to home.
This article is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. All medical procedures carry risks, and outcomes vary between individuals. Always seek the advice of your GP, specialist, or another appropriately qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Where further or specialised care is required, your treating practitioner can provide referral.