New specialists at Cancer Care clinic

Cancer Care Moreton Bay, the new $25 million clinic in Caboolture Hospital’s health precinct, is expanding its services.

The clinic’s new clinicians include breast surgeon Dr Anna Sandstrom and nurse practitioner and lymphoedema specialist James Chapman.

They join a growing, experienced, multi-disciplinary team providing high-quality and affordable services at the McKean St clinic, which opened late last year.

With consultations on-site, patients will see a doctor and have treatment in the same location, saving repeat trips down to Brisbane.

Cancer Care’s expansion is also aimed at meeting the needs of Moreton Bay’s fast-growing population, which is currently 500,000 and projected to hit 700,000 within 20 years.

Dr Sandstrom graduated from Griffith University medical school and is now a member of General Surgeons of Australia and the Australasian Society for Breast Disease.

She works with other specialists at Cancer Care Moreton Bay, but meets breast cancer patients first through their scans. 

“My role is to figure out what treatment they may need,” Dr Sandstrom said. “Most of the time that involves surgery, and may include chemotherapy and radiation.

“One in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their life and with more people moving to the Caboolture area, the number of patients we will see will increase.”

Dr Sandstrom, who also does breast reconstruction, said regular screenings and early detection are crucial to tackling breast cancer.

“BreastScreen Australia is a really good free service,” she said. “It is for women aged 50–74, but from 40
onwards and after 74, you can still access the service.

“If we do find something on the mammogram it is normally very early and
very treatable.”

James Chapman is Director of the Lymph Lab and a nurse practitioner specialising in assessing and treating lymphoedema and lipoedema.

He has a background in intensive care and acute care nursing and is an accredited and endorsed lymphoedema practitioner with the Australasian Lymphology Association.

“Lymphoedema care is most effective when integrated with the cancer team, including surgeons, oncologists, physiotherapists, nurses and GPs,” he said.

“Early lymphoedema screening, before surgery, throughout treatment and in long-term recovery, provides an opportunity to identify subtle changes before swelling.”

The Lymph Lab assesses patients individually, considering swelling, tissue changes, fibrosis, function, skin integrity and infection risk.

Some patients require only monitoring and reassurance; others benefit from compression, exercise, manual lymphatic techniques or other evidence-based interventions.

Assessments are combined with technologies such as SOZO bioimpedance spectroscopy, point-of-care ultrasound and functional assessment, with referral paths where appropriate.

“Lymphoedema can develop months, years or even decades after cancer treatment. Ongoing surveillance
remains valuable after surgery has healed,” Mr Chapman said.

“Your cancer journey does not end when treatment finishes,” he said.

“Protecting your lymphatic health is an important part of survivorship.

“Be proactive, not reactive. Early detection can change treatment and change outcomes.”

Cancer Care Moreton Bay Services

• Haematology Consulting
• Haematology Treatment
• Radiation Oncology Consulting
• Radiation Oncology Treatment
• Medical Oncology Consulting
• Medical Oncology Treatment
• Clinical Trials

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Cancer Care Moreton Bay and proudly endorsed by Moreton Daily. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Moreton Daily possible.