St George’s Cancer Care Centre

21/04/2026

Your first oncology appointment at St George's Cancer Centre is an important step in understanding your diagnosis and treatment options.

During this visit, your specialist will review test results, explain the type of cancer, and talk through possible treatment approaches.

It’s also an opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns you may have. Many people find it helpful to bring a support person and write down questions ahead of time.

19/04/2026

Before radiation treatment begins, a great deal of careful planning takes place.

Specialist teams review imaging, map the exact location of the cancer, and design a treatment plan that targets the tumour while protecting surrounding healthy tissue. This process can involve oncologists, physicists, and radiation therapists working closely together.

Taking the time to plan treatment carefully helps ensure each patient receives the most precise and effective care possible.

St George's Cancer Care Centre is here to help you get the best out of your radiation treatment. Discover more about choosing radiation treatment with us.

16/04/2026

Starting cancer treatment can feel overwhelming, which is why the experience of care matters just as much as the treatment itself.�

From the moment patients arrive, our focus is on creating an environment that feels calm, respectful, and supportive.

Taking the time to explain each step of treatment, answer questions, and ensure patients feel comfortable helps people feel more confident during what can be a very uncertain time.

14/04/2026

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men in New Zealand.

�In its early stages, it often causes no noticeable symptoms, which is why conversations about prostate health are important. Men who notice urinary changes, difficulty passing urine, or persistent discomfort should speak with their GP.

Early investigation helps ensure concerns are properly assessed.

12/04/2026

Many breast cancers are first noticed through small changes.

These can include a new lump, swelling, skin dimpling, changes to the ni**le, or unusual discharge. Being familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel can make it easier to notice when something is different.

If you notice a change that persists, it’s important to speak with your GP so it can be properly assessed.

10/04/2026

St George’s Cancer Care has officially opened our new Nelson clinic, bringing world-class cancer treatment closer to home for patients across Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough. We were honoured to welcome Prime Minsiter Christopher Luxon and iwi leaders from across the region. Ngā mihi nui to everyone who joined us to celebrate this important milestone.

06/04/2026

Today, 7 April, is World Health Day.

It’s a reminder to take a moment to think about our health and the small habits that support long-term wellbeing. For many people, it can also be an opportunity for a simple reset - building healthier routines such as staying active, eating well, protecting your skin from the sun, and limiting alcohol.

It’s also a good time to book routine health check-ups and stay up to date with recommended screening programmes.

Taking these small steps can help detect health concerns earlier and support better outcomes over time.

05/04/2026

Chemotherapy treatment is offered for different reasons depending on the type of cancer and how it behaves.

In some cases it may be used before surgery to shrink a tumour, while in others it is given after surgery to reduce the risk of cancer returning. It can also be used to treat cancers that have spread to other parts of the body.

Each recommendation is made carefully, with the goal of achieving the best possible outcome for the patient.

02/04/2026

The St George’s Cancer Care Nelson clinic delivers specialist care locally, supported regionally.

The Nelson clinic will be led by Nelson-based medical oncologists Dr Kate Gregory and Dr Anna Wojtacha, who work across both public and private health systems.

They will be supported by visiting Christchurch specialists and the wider St George’s multidisciplinary cancer team, maintaining strong integration with public services and continuity of care.

01/04/2026

April marks Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity to bring attention to a cancer that can sometimes develop quietly.

Symptoms can include persistent difficulty swallowing, ongoing heartburn, unexplained weight loss, or discomfort when eating. While these symptoms can have many causes, it’s important not to ignore changes that continue over time.

Speaking with your GP can help ensure concerns are properly assessed and investigated early.

29/03/2026

When someone receives a cancer diagnosis, waiting for treatment can be one of the most stressful parts of the journey.

As a private facility, we are able to focus on providing timely access to consultations and treatment planning. Reducing delays allows patients to move forward with their care sooner and with greater certainty about the path ahead.

For many people, beginning treatment promptly can bring a sense of relief during an otherwise difficult time.

26/03/2026

Screening programmes are designed to detect certain cancers before symptoms appear.

Here in New Zealand, national screening programmes exist for breast cancer, bowel cancer, and cervical cancer. Detecting changes early often means treatment can begin sooner and may be less intensive.

Staying up to date with screening invitations is one of the most effective ways people can take an active role in their health.