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Monday 9am - 3pm Tuesday 9am - 3pm Wednesday 9am - 3pm Thursday 9am - 3pm

Darling Downs Surgical Oncology

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Toowoomba, QLD
Darling Downs Surgical Oncology

Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Darling Downs Surgical Oncology, Doctor, Suite 37, 280 North Street, Toowoomba.

Led by Dr Peter O'Donohue, Specialist Breast Cancer & Melanoma Surgeon, and Cheryl Barneveld, Clinic Director, DDSO is dedicated to providing compassionate surgical care for patients experiencing breast cancer, skin cancer and melanoma in Toowoomba.

24/02/2026

For many patients, this sign marks the beginning of answers, clarity, and support.

At Darling Downs Surgical Oncology, we’re here to guide patients through breast cancer, melanoma, and complex skin cancer with time, care, and clear communication from the first visit.

Located at St Andrew's Toowoomba Hospital, we're proud to be part of the Toowoomba community, providing subspecialist cancer care close to home.

17/02/2026

As we welcome the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Horse, we acknowledge a time associated with strength, resilience, clarity, and forward momentum.

In many cultures, the horse symbolises perseverance, integrity, and steady progress, qualities that resonate deeply with healthcare, and with the way we approach cancer care at DDSO.

As we care for patients and families across Toowoomba and the Darling Downs, we recognise the importance of respecting the diverse communities we serve, and the values that matter to them.

Wishing our patients, colleagues, and community a safe and meaningful Lunar New Year.

16/02/2026

Breast density: more than a technical imaging feature

Recent research from Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre reinforces that breast density is not simply an imaging descriptor, it is a clinically relevant factor influencing breast cancer risk, detection, and screening sensitivity.

Dense breast tissue can obscure malignancy on standard mammography and may warrant additional imaging or earlier specialist input as part of a risk-informed approach to care.

Dr O’Donohue completed part of his specialist surgical training at Peter Mac, where research-driven, multidisciplinary cancer care underpins clinical decision-making. Ongoing exposure to emerging evidence continues to inform his approach to breast cancer assessment, surgical planning, and collaboration with referrers.

Research such as this highlights the importance of individualised screening pathways and timely referral when imaging findings, density, or clinical concern warrant further assessment.

Dr O'Donohue values collaborative care and shared decision-making with GPs and specialists in navigating complex breast health presentations.

This is where subspecialist input can add value in selected patients.

Learn more from the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre here: https://www.petermac.org/about-us/news-and-events/news/details/breast-density-not-just-a-technical-feature-of-imaging

15/02/2026

Questions to ask your breast cancer surgeon

Choosing your breast cancer surgeon is an important decision. Asking the right questions can help you feel informed, confident, and supported.

Consider asking:

🌿 Are you a member of Breast Surgeons of Australia and New Zealand (Breast Surgeons of Australia and New Zealand)?
Membership reflects a commitment to ongoing education and focused breast surgery practice.

🌿Do you have training or experience in oncoplastic breast surgery?
Oncoplastic techniques can influence surgical planning, scarring, and longer-term outcomes for some patients.

🌿What training and education have you undertaken in breast cancer surgery?
Understanding your surgeon’s background can provide reassurance about their expertise and experience.

🌿How do you approach breast cancer care?
Ask about consultation time, how options are explained, and how decisions are made together.

🌿Who will be involved in my care?
Breast cancer treatment often involves a broader team including imaging, pathology, oncology, nursing, and care coordination.

🌿How is care coordinated after surgery?
Clear follow-up and communication matter just as much as the operation itself.

You have the right to ask questions, seek clarity, and choose a care team that aligns with your needs and values.

The right questions, lead to the right care.

14/02/2026

Yesterday, Cheryl, our Clinical Director, had the pleasure of attending Gallentines x Hope Horizons at Bergen.

It was a beautiful opportunity to spend time with local female entrepreneurs, share stories, learn from one another, and experience the strength that comes from female friendship and connection.

Most importantly, it was a chance to support the important work of Hope Horizons, helping to fundraise for vital cancer support services right here in Toowoomba, services that make a real difference for individuals and families navigating cancer.

We’re grateful to be part of a community that shows up, supports one another, and invests in care beyond the clinic walls. Thank you Hope Horizons Inc.

We encourage you to learn more about Hope Horizons, donate, and support here: https://www.hopehorizons.com.au/about-us

08/02/2026

Why location matters in cancer care

At Darling Downs Surgical Oncology, patient care is closely integrated with St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital, creating a seamless experience from diagnosis through to treatment and recovery.

Patients benefit from:
🌿Free, convenient parking
🌿On-site diagnostic breast services, including imaging and biopsy
🌿On-site pathology and ancillary services
🌿Close collaboration between surgical, diagnostic, nursing, and support teams

This co-location means fewer appointments across multiple sites, clearer communication between teams, and faster coordination of care, all of which matter when navigating a cancer diagnosis.

DDSO works closely with the Diagnostic Breast Clinic and hospital services at St Andrew’s to ensure investigations, surgery, and follow-up are thoughtfully aligned. Care is coordinated to reduce delays, minimise stress, and support patients through each step of their treatment journey.

At the same time, DDSO strongly believes in patient choice. While care can be efficiently coordinated on site at St Andrew’s, we are equally committed to supporting patients across different locations and services where appropriate, working collaboratively to ensure care aligns with individual needs, preferences, and circumstances.

When services work together, patients can focus on what matters most, their care and recovery.

06/02/2026

We’re looking for a Surgical Assistant

Dr O’Donohue is seeking a GP, Nurse Practitioner, or MBBS-qualified clinician to assist with weekly Monday theatre lists at St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital.

The role focuses on surgical assisting for breast cancer and skin cancer procedures, working within a calm, collaborative subspecialist surgical oncology team.

If you’re interested in working in a thoughtful, well-organised surgical environment and supporting high-quality patient care, we’d love to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion or to express interest, please contact Cheryl Barneveld, Clinic Director, on 07 4670 0797 or email reception@ddso.com.au

https://www.seek.com.au/job/90187578?ref=hirer-jobs-list

05/02/2026

What’s the difference between a screening and a diagnostic mammogram?

A screening mammogram is performed when there are no symptoms. It’s part of routine breast screening and is designed to look for early changes that may not be felt or noticed.

A diagnostic mammogram is performed when there is a specific concern such as a lump, pain, ni**le changes, or an abnormal screening result. It involves more detailed imaging and may be combined with an ultrasound to better understand what’s going on.

Both are important, they simply serve different purposes:
• Screening looks for early changes
• Diagnostic imaging investigates a known concern

Dr O’Donohue accepts referrals from BreastScreen Queensland, St Andrew’s Diagnostic Breast Clinic, GPs, and other specialists. Patients can be referred for further assessment, advice, or surgical planning where appropriate.

03/02/2026

4 February - World Cancer Day

Today on World Cancer Day, we acknowledge the impact of cancer across Australia and reaffirm our commitment to prevention, early detection, education, and thoughtful care.

Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers in Australia, with over 20,000 people diagnosed each year, and a lifetime risk of about 1 in 7 women. Survival has improved dramatically over recent decades thanks to advances in screening and treatment, but early detection remains vital.

Australia also has one of the highest rates of melanoma in the world, highlighting the importance of sun protection, regular skin checks, and prompt assessment of suspicious changes.

At Darling Downs Surgical Oncology, we support our community in ways that matter at every stage of the cancer journey:

🌿Encouraging regular screening and awareness of symptoms
🌿Continuing education for referrers and patients on best practices
🌿Providing subspecialist consultations and coordinated care pathways
🌿Partnering with GPs and community organisations to promote early detection

World Cancer Day is a reminder that while much progress has been made, there’s more to do, especially in education, prevention, and ensuring every person has access to the right care at the right time.

01/02/2026

Surgery is never just one person, it’s a team working together with focus and care.

In the operating room, patients are supported by Dr O'Donohue and an experienced team that includes an anaesthetist, specialist theatre nurses, and surgical assistants. Each team member has a defined role, working together to ensure safety, precision, and continuity throughout the procedure.

This collaboration allows surgery to be carefully planned and smoothly delivered with every detail considered and every patient supported.

It’s a team approach, built around experience, communication, and trust.

30/01/2026

A calm place to begin.

From the moment you get in touch, care at DDSO is designed to feel calm, clear, and supportive.

We’ve spent a great deal of time curating a purpose-designed space that feels welcoming and considered, a place intended to reduce stress and support patients during what can be an overwhelming time.

Alongside this, patients can expect prompt contact after referral, time to talk through concerns without feeling rushed, and care guided by choice rather than restrictive pathways.

With thoughtful coordination of tests, procedures, and surgery, subspecialist expertise, transparent costs, and continuity before and after treatment, our focus is on making a challenging time feel more manageable, with clarity, compassion, and support at every step.

27/01/2026

What can patients expect at their first appointment?

Your first appointment at DDSO is designed to feel unhurried, supportive, and informative.

You’ll meet with Dr O’Donohue to review your referral, imaging, and results, discuss your concerns, and talk through your diagnosis and treatment options in detail. Time is taken to explain things clearly, answer questions, and outline next steps, so you can feel informed and confident moving forward.

If further tests, procedures, or surgery are recommended, Cheryl, our Clinical Director, will help coordinate everything that follows. This means organising investigations, appointments, and surgery where needed, reducing the need for patients to navigate multiple services on their own.

You’re welcome to bring a support person to your appointment if that feels helpful.

Our goal is to remove unnecessary stress and provide clarity, reassurance, and a clear plan, in a calm, boutique environment where patients feel supported from the outset.

Address

Suite 37, 280 North Street
Toowoomba, QLD
4350

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 3pm
Tuesday	9am - 3pm
Wednesday	9am - 3pm
Thursday	9am - 3pm

Website

http://www.ddso.com.au/

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