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About cancer services

Cancer Services

We care for a large number of cancer patients each year and we aim to deliver a high quality, individualised, comprehensive and patient-focused service, by taking into account non-medical needs, alongside medical treatment for all our patients and their families throughout their care.

CUH is a regional centre for rarer types of cancer and is also the local hospital for patients living in the Cambridge area. Adult cancer patients are seen across the CUH campus within all specialties and services. Treatment for children is managed by the Paediatric Haematology and Oncology department in the hospital.

Examples of some of the Cancer Services at CUH include:

  • The Department of Oncology - treats cancers of the solid organs, such as lungs or liver, using:
    • Chemotherapy - which uses anti-cancer drugs to either destroy or control the growth of cancer cells and/or,
    • Radiotherapy - which uses high energy radiation to treat a variety of cancers
  • The Department of Haematology - treats cancers of the blood, such as leukaemia, as well as non-cancerous blood disorders with a combination of oral chemotherapy and blood products.
  • The Cambridge Breast Unit - offers a Breast Screening Service as well as providing referral clinics for patients with breast symptoms. The rapid diagnosis clinic for both, “symptomatic” and “screening”, aims for same day assessment encompassing consultation with a clinician and if needed, imaging and further investigation. The unit provides multi-disciplinary breast disease management including surgery.
  • Gynaecological Oncology - The Gynaecological Oncology specialty provides cancer care focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of cancers affecting women's reproductive organs, such as the uterus.
  • The Department of Urology - provides all diagnostics and treatments for both malignant and non-malignant urinary tract conditions.
  • Cancer Support Service - a multi-disciplinary team provides advice and support for different cancers, financial support, emotional issues and a wide range of other challenges, as well as individualised support to fully address each patient's concerns.
  • Palliative care - offers specialist advice and support both on symptom and total care of patients with life-limiting illness.

The provision of services to patients is closely linked with the:

  • University of Cambridge Department of Oncology and Haematology, which ensures that high-quality cancer care is underpinned by research excellence.
  • Cambridge Cancer Trials Centre (CCTC), which collaborates with external pharmaceutical companies to improve the outcome for patients with cancer, or at risk of developing cancer, by designing and conducting excellent clinical trials and studies,
  • Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Cambridge Centre, which is the collaboration of scientists and clinicians from CUH NHS Foundation Trust, the University of Cambridge, independent research institutes, and pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries in the Cambridge area.

Welcome to Cancer Services

Link: https://youtu.be/u-O49GzXTFs

Cancer patient information pack

The cancer patient information pack is suitable for any cancer patient being seen anywhere in the Trust and at any stage of the cancer pathway.

The pack includes practical and generic cancer patient information to support you and your family through your cancer pathway. It's available from your treating team or through the cancer support service.

We are a multidisciplinary service

The Cancer Services team is a multidisciplinary service, working closely with colleagues in other disciplines throughout the Trust and also at specialist designated centres across the region.

The multidisciplinary teams meet regularly to discuss patients’ care and treatment plans. They advise on patient treatment recommendations, which are then discussed with patient at their clinic appointment by the appropriate clinical team.

Finding out you have symptoms that may require further investigation, can be very daunting and might make you feel scared or worried about what’s going to happen next. Please take a look at our film below, which aims to explain the purpose and need of a Multidisciplinary Team approach and discussion.

CUH Multi Disciplinary Team

Link: https://youtu.be/pYxKRfEgojM

Supporting you and your family

Support is available for you and your family at every step. Our teams are highly trained and specialised, and you are in safe hands here at CUH. No decision will be made about your care and treatment without you.

Key Staff