THE latest in advanced radiation therapy treatment will soon be available closer to home for cancer patients on the Mornington Peninsula, with leading cancer care provider, Icon Cancer Centre announcing it will provide radiation oncology services at The Bays Cancer Care Centre. It will be the first in the Mornington Peninsula Shire to provide radiation therapy services.
Currently under construction, the centre will be equipped with a state-of-the-art Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator (linac), providing stereotactic radiation therapy, tattoo-less radiation therapy for breast cancer patients, along with world-leading HyperArc technology for patients with secondary brain tumours.
These cutting-edge radiation therapy techniques will deliver faster and more accurate treatments for local cancer patients, removing the need to travel out of the region to access treatment. A dedicated radiation therapy planning CT scanner will also be available onsite, meaning patients can have their planning sessions and treatment in one location.
Icon Cancer Centre Australia and New Zealand CEO, Paul Fenton said this new service will benefit the local community. “We’re proud to partner with The Bays to bring world-class cancer care to the Mornington Peninsula, ensuring people have access to life-saving treatments closer to home,” said Fenton.
By 2032, it is anticipated that there will be almost 30,000 patient admissions on the Mornington Peninsula for cancer or haematological diagnosis, with 15,000 of these admitted to a private hospital. Around half of all cancer patients need radiation therapy – a highly targeted, safe and effective treatment used on a wide range of cancers including breast, prostate, skin, lung and brain. It can be used in combination with other treatments like chemotherapy and is given in daily intervals over several weeks with every course designed for each patient’s condition.
The Bays CEO, Jade Phelan said this centre will help reduce burdens associated with a cancer diagnosis. “Many patients going through chemotherapy are quite unwell, and with patients that also require radiation treatment it’s extremely beneficial to provide onsite, integrated cancer care,” said Jade. “We can offer something that’s special through this partnership with Icon, with a great multidisciplinary team, world-class facilities and strong collaboration.
“This service will make a significant difference for cancer patients and their loved ones on the Mornington Peninsula.”
The new radiation therapy service is expected to open to patients at the end of this year.
First published in the Mornington News – 13 August 2024