Clinic a leader in lung cancer treatment

GRAMPIANS Health’s Rapid Access Lung Lesion Clinic, or RALLC, is leading research into lung cancer in Australia.

The clinic was established in 2017 to address fragmented and uncoordinated care delivery for the referral, diagnosis and treatment process of lung cancer patients.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Australia and the clinic takes a proactive rather than reactive approach, where pre-emptive investigations are conducted.

The clinic team comprises lung cancer coordinator Kathy McCann, medical oncologists associate professor Wasek Faisal and his team, respiratory physician Dr Damoon Entersari-Tatafi and his team, and thoracic surgeon Dr David Low and his team.

Associate professor Faisal has more than 23 years of experience in medicine and 12 in medical oncology.

“I treat solid cancers, with my area of expertise being lung cancers and rare tumours,” he said. “These types of cancers can be aggressive and invasive. It’s important that we keep researching and finding ways to improve patient lives.”

The RALLC is designed to streamline patients’ experiences with the hospital system.

“When a person is faced with the potential diagnosis of lung cancer, it can be a stressful and anxious time,” Ms McCann said. “I help guide and support our patients through the daunting process of navigating their cancer diagnosis and treatment. In the background, I work hard to advocate for the patient and to ensure that we are able to determine their diagnosis as soon as possible.”