Media Release: BENDIGO'S CANCER SERVICES RECEIVE A MAJOR BOOST

FROM THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH

DATE: Friday, August 24, 2007

BENDIGO'S CANCER SERVICES RECEIVE A MAJOR BOOST

Cancer patients throughout the Greater Bendigo area have greater access to state-of-the-art radiotherapy services with a second $3.5 million linear accelerator coming on line at the Peter MacCallum Centre at Bendigo Hospital.

Health Minister Daniel Andrews said today the new linear accelerator is part of the Brumby Government’s ongoing commitment to Victorians being able to access high-quality health services no matter where they live.

“Expanding regional health services and cancer services in particular is a priority of the Brumby Government and this $3.5 million linear accelerator will be of immense benefit to patients,” Mr Andrews said.

“The new linear accelerator will double radiotherapy services locally and increase Bendigo Health Care Group’s treatment capacity.

“The new machine is particularly important, as around 50 per cent of all patients diagnosed with cancer will require radiotherapy as part of their treatment.

“I am proud of the Brumby Government’s commitment to improve services throughout Victoria, on a day when Victorians are throwing their support by cancer’s biggest fundraising efforts, Daffodil Day.”

Mr Andrews said linear accelerators are most commonly used for external beam radiation treatments and use microwave technology, similar to that used for radar.

The machine can destroy cancer cells and careful treatment ensures the surrounding tissue is not harmed during the process.

“This machine will help Peter MacCallum staff treat a range of cancers, in particular cancers of the breast, bowel, head and neck, lung and prostate,” Mr Andrews said.

The Government has also committed to providing ongoing funding of $2 million per year for the ongoing costs of running the machine.

Peter MacCallum site director Michelle Bishop said the new linear accelerator had begun treating patients in Bendigo and would help meet regional demand for services.

“Peter Mac is pleased to offer patients the highest standards of cancer care with an additional linear accelerator and we can now expand our service to provide timely access to radiotherapy treatment for a wide range of patients,” Dr Bishop said.

Mr Andrews said the new linear accelerator complements other regional and rural cancer initiatives like the $18 million expansion and redevelopment of the Andrew Love Cancer Centre in Geelong from two to four bunkers, with two new linacs and improved chemotherapy facilities (opened earlier this year); and $11 million for the establishment of the new Gippsland Cancer Treatment Centre, including that region’s first radiotherapy service and expanded chemotherapy facilities opened last year.