Celebrating 10 years: Icon Cancer Centre Springfield

This November, Icon Cancer Centre Springfield will celebrate its 10-year anniversary, delivering more than 70,000 radiotherapy treatments to Queensland’s Southeast region.

Prior to the centre’s establishment in 2015, Ipswich residents were travelling extensive distances to either Brisbane or Toowoomba for cancer treatment.

Since opening its doors as part of the Mater Private Hospital Springfield precinct, Icon Springfield has saved patients and their families an estimated 5.6 million kilometres in travel, easing the burden by keeping care close to home while improving overall experience during an already challenging time.

A decade of innovative impact

Icon Springfield has pioneered the introduction of advanced cancer technology and patient-led initiatives, being one of the first Icon centres in Australia to provide Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH).

This technique reduces radiation exposure to the patient’s heart during breast cancer treatment by holding a certain number of breaths for short durations, moving the heart away from the chest whilst radiation is being delivered.

In addition to this, the centre has also led the way with portal dosimetry, a physics innovation that can enhance the accuracy of cancer treatment. They have also continued to introduce support services for patients including – partnership with Cancer Council Queensland to connect patients with CCQ resources, support groups, education and services, and regular Look Good Feel Better workshops to empower cancer patients.

“I was the first patient to receive treatment at Icon Springfield in November 2015 with treatment running Monday to Friday over a two-month period,” he said.

“From the very start, everyone made me feel comfortable and cared for. I got along with everyone there; we’d chat in the waiting room and support each other through it like there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.”

Icon Springfield Site Manager, Amanda Waldon praised the collective efforts of her team over the ten years and beyond.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the team at Icon Springfield. Every day, they go above and beyond to support our local community, making sure each patient feels cared for, respected, and at ease throughout their journey.

Care through collaboration

Icon Springfield is proud to provide radiation therapy services within the Mater Private Hospital in Springfield, contributing to a comprehensive health precinct, which supports patients through every stage of their care.

CEO – Icon Cancer Centre Australia & New Zealand, Paul Fenton notes the centre’s contribution.

“Our Springfield centre is a great example of bringing Icon’s mission to life,” said Paul.

“It was one of our first outer-metropolitan centres and proved partnerships and bringing care to where people live is vital to delivering better patient outcomes.

“Congratulations to all the team at Icon Springfield and everyone involved in contributing to its success, here’s to another ten years.”