Innovating Regional Cancer Care – Insights from Industry Leaders

The Case for Regional Investment

Icon Group Board Chairman, Paul McClintock AO opened the discussion emphasising the importance of addressing cancer care gaps. He noted regional communities have limited access to specialist services and advanced treatments, often requiring extensive travel, causing greater financial and emotional stress.

Citing the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Paul highlighted that people living in major cities have a five-year observed survival rate of 63% (for all cancers combined), compared to 61% for those in regional and remote areas, and a further drop to 55% in more remote regions.

With 30% of Icon’s Australian cancer centres located in regional locations and 50% in outer-metro and regional communities, Icon’s has deep roots and proven track record of bringing comprehensive care to underserved areas.

Icon Group CEO, Mark Middleton OAM highlighted this commitment.

“Combined, Icon delivers approximately 50% of the nation’s private cancer care. There are unique challenges to operating regional centres, but we’ve invested in innovative care models and solutions to enable world-class care,” Mark said.

“Our approach provides a sustainable model that supports more equitable and timely care for patients navigating their cancer journey. It also provides a model for governments and communities to think openly about what’s possible in regional care.”

He shared Noosa as an example noting Icon’s longstanding presence in the region and surrounding Queensland communities.

“Our Maroochydore centre has been part of the community for many years and this new centre in the heart of Noosa highlights our ongoing commitment to bringing care closer to where people live.”

Strengthening Partnerships in Regional Healthcare

A key focus was bridging gaps in regional cancer care trhough better public-private sector coordination. Icon holds successful partnerships in places like Gold Coast, Cairns and Mildura where patient volume versus demand limits service introduction, access to new technologies and clinical trials

“From Icon’s deep experience and strong track record of working alongside government, I would like to see a continued investment in Public Private Partnerships and cross-government funding,” Mark said.

“We’ve seen real success in these cross sectoral models – they are financially sustainable, reduce patient travel time, support workforce, and most importantly enable greater access to timely advanced care.”

Similarly, Lord Patrick Carter examined global trends shaping healthcare in outer metro areas, while Keith Dr Ridge provided insights into UK’s pharmacy landscape. A/Prof Matthew Foote discussed cutting-edge radiation therapy technologies transforming treatment and how partnerships can enable the introduction of these advanced treatments.

Future Healthcare

Mark closed the event by reinforcing the importance of sharing experiences in healthcare and investing in partnerships.

“Icon Group plays a pivotal role in Australia’s healthcare ecosystem and is committed to addressing disparities in access to quality cancer care. It is a federal election year, and key policy commitments are needed to improve patient access,” Mark said.

“Radiation Oncology Health Program Grants (ROHPG) have been the backbone of enabling private providers to introduce advanced radiation therapy services to regional communities. It is important these grants continue in a sustainable manner that supports the ongoing viability of the sector.”

“At Icon we invest in people, partnerships and innovations to push boundaries and develop new ways of delivering care and ultimately better patient outcomes.”

Following the discussion, attendees were invited to tour the new Icon Cancer Centre Noosa facility.

With expert insights and a commitment to continuous improvement, today’s discussions reinforced the importance of innovation, collaboration, and investment in ensuring greater access to world-class care for more people.