WHAT TO EXPECT

This page outlines what a consultation involves, the types of issues commonly addressed, how this work fits alongside existing medical care, and when this approach is most appropriate.

The Consultation

Consultations are structured, individualised, and focused on the period after cancer treatment. The aim is to help people make sense of their recovery, clarify priorities, and develop a practical, evidence-based plan for the next stage of health and wellbeing.

Consultations are conducted via secure telehealth.

Prior to the consultation, you will be asked to complete a detailed questionnaire, allowing time for careful review of your background, priorities, and concerns, and supporting a more focused and considered discussion during the consultation.

Each consultation typically includes:

  • a detailed review of cancer treatment history and current symptoms

  • consideration of physical, cognitive, and functional impacts of treatment

  • discussion of relevant risk factors, health behaviours, and family history

  • clarification of concerns, priorities, and goals for recovery

  • development of clear, personalised next steps and priorities

Depending on the breadth and complexity of issues, follow-up consultations may be recommended.

Areas Commonly Addressed

People seek consultations for a range of post-treatment concerns, including those that persist or emerge over time:

  • persistent fatigue or reduced exercise tolerance

  • sleep disturbance

  • menopausal symptoms and side effects of endocrine therapy

  • neuropathy, joint pain, or musculoskeletal changes

  • changes in mood, stress, or psychological wellbeing

  • uncertainty about recovery, prevention, or longer-term health risks

Guidance is practical, medically grounded, and tailored to the individual context.

Lifestyle Medicine & Preventive Health

Consultations integrate evidence-based lifestyle medicine as it applies to recovery and ongoing prevention after cancer treatment. This may include discussion of:

  • nutrition

  • physical activity and rebuilding capacity

  • restorative sleep

  • stress management

  • social connection

  • avoidance of harmful substances

The focus is on realistic, sustainable changes that support recovery, reduce future health risks, and align with existing medical care.

Where This Fits in Your Care

Consultations are intended to complement routine follow-up care provided by GPs and treating oncology teams.

Where helpful, consultations may support people to:

  • better understand ongoing symptoms or risks over time

  • prepare for informed discussions with their GP or specialists

  • consider preventive health strategies within established follow-up pathways

Decisions about investigations, surveillance, or anti-cancer treatment always remain with a person’s existing treating team.

Who is this for?

Consultations are intended for people who:

  • are in the post-treatment phase of curative-intent cancer care

  • are generally between six weeks and five years after completing curative-intent treatment

  • have completed intravenous chemotherapy

  • may still be receiving adjuvant or maintenance therapy (including endocrine therapy, CDK4/6 inhibitors such as ribociclib or abemaciclib, HER2-directed therapy such as trastuzumab or T-DM1, or immunotherapy)

  • are medically stable but continue to experience symptoms, fatigue, or uncertainty

  • want medically grounded guidance on recovery, prevention, and future health considerations

  • are seeking thoughtful support beyond routine surveillance and follow-up alone

Who is this NOT for?

This practice is not suitable for people who:

  • are currently undergoing intravenous chemotherapy or concurrent chemoradiotherapy

  • have not yet completed all components of curative-intent local treatment (including surgery or radiotherapy), even if neoadjuvant therapy has been completed

  • are within the first six weeks after finishing curative-intent treatment

  • are experiencing acute or uncontrolled treatment-related toxicity

  • require urgent assessment for possible recurrence or disease progression

  • have metastatic cancer

Next Steps

If this approach aligns with what you’re looking for and would be helpful at this point, you can request a consultation or learn more about the practice.