Radiotherapy service need in the Pacific Island countries.

Background: Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) have experienced an increase in cancer burden in the recent years. There is need for major investments in the cancer treatment facilities including radiotherapy (RT).

Aims: This study aimed to provide a quantitative estimation of the effect of establishing new RT facilities on patient access through Geographic Information System (GIS) modelling of population density and service availability to assess the best location for a new RT centre when there are multiple competing locations.

Do cancer follow-up consultations create anxiety?

Introduction: Recent literature has suggested that follow- up visits provide psychological support for patients with cancer, but largely without objective evidence.

Aims: To examine the psychological impact of follow-up consultations on cancer patients and identify factors that influence patient anxiety.

Methods: Patients attending a routine follow-up at Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre were surveyed.

Estimation of the optimal brachytherapy utilization rate in the treatment of carcinoma of the uterine cervix: review of clinical practice guidelines and primary evidence.

Background: Brachytherapy (BT) is an integral part of cervical carcinoma treatment. There have been no attempts to estimate the optimal proportion of new cervical carcinoma cases that should be treated with BT, that is, the optimal rate of brachytherapy utilization (BTU).

Methods: Evidence-based guidelines and primary evidence were used to construct a BTU tree for carcinoma of the uterine cervix.

Colorectal cancer patterns of care in the Western Sydney and Wentworth Area Health Services.

Introduction: Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Australia. Recent clinical trials show that the recurrence of colorectal cancer decreases with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy in advanced disease. The present study aimed to document the patterns of care by the type of treatment, document the preoperative investigations and provide results to the Area Health Services.