Patient information    

The first step

Every journey begins with a first step. The first step in your cancer journey with Canopy will be a referral from your GP or Specialist. The background information they supply to Canopy will include details of your medical history and the results of recent investigations such as blood tests and scans. This referral and background information will be sent directly to Canopy by your GP or Specialist. As soon as our Scheduling Team has received this information, our practice coordinator or one of our schedulers will contact you to make an appointment with the oncologists or haematologists best suited to your needs.  All of Canopy's oncologists and heamatologists specialise in different type of cancers and are experts in their chosen fields. 

Your first consultation

Naturally you will have many questions about your condition and your different treatment options.  Your Canopy Specialist will explain what cancer is and talk though your diagnosis.  

Your first consultation with your Canopy Specialist will typically last an hour or more, allowing time to go through your medical history and assess and discuss their recommended care and treatment plan. We encourage you to ask as many questions as you need to, and invite you to bring along family and friends for support.

Next steps

If treatment is required, your oncologist or haematologist may request further tests to evaluate your condition.

This will help to confirm the best treatment choice for you. You may need to come back for a further visit with your doctor before treatment begins.

At this stage, a cost estimate will be prepared by our finance team.  If you are insured, a copy of the estimate will be sent to your nominated insurance provider. 

Your first treatment

One of our nursing team will contact you to arrange a pre-treatment orientation appointment. This appointment will be an opportunity for a more detailed discussion about what to expect, your treatment schedule and instructions for your first day

Your oncology nurse will greet you and guide you through your treatment visit. Once again, we encourage you to ask any questions you may have so that you are fully informed and feel comfortable.

We will share information with you and provide you with access to any further information you need. Click here for links to other websites you may find helpful and informative.

We have created a series of short orientation videos as part of Canopy TV. You may find these useful at different stages of your treatment so please refer to them as required.

What are my treatment options?

There are a number of options available depending on your condition. Your oncologist or haematologist will discuss with you which is the most appropriate for you. The most common treatments are chemotherapy, antibody therapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapy.

These treatments are often integrated with surgery or radiation therapy. Our doctors would, in these instances, work closely with your other specialists to make sure all treatments are co-ordinated.

Who will I need to see?

Depending on your condition, it is likely that you will need to see a number of different healthcare professionals, although you will have one lead oncologist or haematologist.

Our staff will ensure that you are aware of all procedures and appointments, and other tests.

Where can i find out more information?

About cancer contains lots of different information that might be useful before you meet with a Canopy Specialist.

To find an oncologist or haematologist, use the drop down filters are the top of the Cancer specialists page.

We have put together a number of videos to help patients navigate the different aspects of the cancer experience that are relevant to them.  Visit the Canopy TV library for all the options.

Repeat Prescriptions

All active Canopy patients requiring a repeat prescription for their cancer medications can make a Script Request by emailing us at

[email protected] stating the following:

  • Your Name
  • Date of Birth
  • Name of drug required
  • Dose
  • Name of pharmacy that it needs to be sent to.

Prescriptions will be ready in 7 days.

For urgent requests contact the triage nurse on 09 623 6009 Option 3. 

If we require more information about your request a nurse will contact you directly.