Improved psychology care for Wimmera cancer patients

A new client-facing psycho-oncology service for Wimmera Cancer Centre patients has been in strong demand since its introduction last year.

Grampians Health Psychology Department started the service for the Wimmera’s cancer patients with clinical psychologist Sue Titcumb making regular visits to Horsham. Grampians Health Director of Psychology Dr Sarah McKinnon said the psycho-oncology service based in Ballarat had been working to provide in-person services to Wimmera Cancer Centre for a few years.

"We received a small amount of funding to provide services to Horsham and surrounds in 2020, however the pandemic unfortunately impacted the ability to travel for in-person services,” Dr McKinnon said.

“We have been providing a Telehealth-based service but this is not always suitable for all people so we are thrilled to have been able to commence the in-person services in 2025."

Through a limited number of sessions, Ms Titcumb is supporting cancer patients from the region with cancer-specific psychological support. Ms Titcumb said the focus of her work was with people whose reaction to cancer diagnosis news was outside the normal reaction.

“I’m here to support these patients directly in relation to their cancer concerns and any overlap with their mental health and wellbeing,” Ms Titcumb said.

“The purpose is to help those who are really struggling with that overlap of physical health and mental health and how we can help them adjust to the impact of cancer in their life. Also if they are experiencing difficulties due to their cancer treatment, like side effects, or if their cancer is impacting on their relationships at home.

“I’m dealing with more specific mental health concerns like depression, anxiety, panic disorders and sleep difficulties. If those issues have emerged since their cancer diagnosis, that’s when they come to see our team.”

Ms Titcumb said while sessions were limited, she didn’t like to put a specific number on how many sessions a client could attend.

“Everyone is an individual and they might have different needs but it’s not something where they would get 12 months of therapy,” she said.

“Often people need 2-3 sessions with me then they might go on their way. They will take on board some strategies or they might have had time to process their circumstances and understand a bit more about what’s happening for them.

“Other times, a patient’s cancer diagnosis might mean that there are newer hurdles to overcome and they might need a few more sessions.”

Ms Titcumb said 30-40% of people in general would have a mental health difficulty in their life and often would benefit from therapy.

“However, the percentage for cancer patients is higher than the general population with some studies estimating 40-50% will experience clinically significant mental health symptoms, with rates of cancer related distress up to 90%.

“The majority of people, once they have time to process what is happening, will be able to work through it themselves but sometimes you need more support. Examples would be if you already have a mental health difficulty or you have poor supports, or if your diagnosis and treatment is particularly challenging.

“I think patients find that seeing a psychologist in this setting is less confronting and that it’s just part of their medical care. They have that feeling of ‘well this is part of my team’.”

Ms Titcumb said client-facing would be provided where possible but some consults would remain as a Telehealth service. She could also help with making suggestions for other services for client’s family or ongoing services for the client.

Grampians Health General Manager Allied and Mental Health Georgie Kemp said the Psychology Department's service now offered through the Wimmera Cancer Centre was invaluable to Wimmera patients.

“Grampians Health has been providing a Telehealth service to clients at Wimmera Cancer Centre but client-facing can make a difference for some cancer patients,” Ms Kemp said.

“It’s another real example of how Grampians Health is providing greater local access to services and delivering care that is responsive to local community needs.”

Wimmera Cancer Centre patients wishing to utilise the psychology service should speak to their cancer resource nurse or inquire at the centre.