Targeting Cancer has long advocated for more accessible radiation therapy treatment in regional and rural Australia. And a new public-private oncology treatment centre in Albany, Western Australia is proving why more localised services for cancer sufferers in regional areas are so important.
The centre opened last May after years of campaigning by Albany residents for cancer treatment options closer to home.
The centre is part of the local hospital at Albany Health Campus and has treated over 375 local cancer patients in just 18 months.
Radiation therapy is being used at the centre to treat patients diagnosed with several different cancers, including breast, prostate, skin, lung, pancreatic and lymphoma.
The centre has a number of local full-time staff who are all vital to the treatment of patients.
Radiotherapists, patient support staff and cancer nurses are based at the centre and supported by the medical oncologist, physicians and allied health based at the hospital.
Radiation oncologist consultants work on a rota system, flying in-and-out of Albany from other locations in Western Australia.
Perth-based consultant Qurrat Van Den Blink is one of around ten doctors who work at the treatment centre in this way, staying in temporary accommodation when in Albany.
“I can’t emphasis enough how important this treatment centre is to local patients”, said Dr Van Den Blink.
“It is even helping cancer patients from further afield than Albany, including Esperance.
“Without the centre in Albany, patients would have to get to Perth for treatment.
“Most of our cancer patients are elderly, and the trip would cause a great deal of stress both physically and mentally.
“By being treated nearer to home, patients get to stay in their households, close to loved ones and carers and near facilities they know and use regularly.
“This can make a world of difference to their treatment outcomes, including how they react to any potential side effects.
“The local personalised service that patients get at the treatment centre is first-class.
“Patients get this service in a calm environment with support staff embedded in the local community.
One patient who has nothing but praise for the centre is 75-year-old Hilary Jenkins, a local Albany pensioner who has been bravely battling oesophageal cancer.
“I had 28 rounds of radiation therapy at the new centre for my cancer earlier in the year, and I can’t fault the place”, said Hilary, who is a retired baker.
“The centre staff were all wonderful, especially Dr Van Den Blink.
“Going all the way to Perth for treatment would have been a huge ask at my age, and in all honestly, I’m not sure if I could have done it.
“My daughter has been caring for me in Albany, and it was important during my treatment we both stayed as local as possible as she had other commitments, including my grandson.
“I would recommend radiation therapy as a treatment for other cancer patients who qualify.
“It wasn’t frightening at all, and I had no pain or discomfort”
Targeting Cancer Co-Chair, Dr Lucinda Morris added: “It is heartening to hear about the Albany Treatment Centre and from Qurrat and Hilary on how it is having such a positive impact on cancer patients in regional WA.
“Targeting Cancer and RANZCR strongly support and advocate for equity of access for all Australians living with cancer, no matter where they live.
“The Targeting Cancer website features an interactive treatment centre map to help patients find their nearest radiation therapy treatment centre across all of Australia and New Zealand.
“The campaign welcomes all news of new treatment centres opening.”