Home News Icon brings radiation oncology to Mildura in regional Victoria

Icon brings radiation oncology to Mildura in regional Victoria

Icon Writers / 03 Apr, 2023

The majority of cancer patients in Sunraysia, Victoria and the wider region will no longer need to travel hundreds of kilometres for radiation therapy treatment, following the official opening of Icon Cancer Centre Mildura.

This is the first time radiation treatment has been available locally, with patients previously having to travel to Bendigo, Melbourne or Adelaide, undergoing treatment away from their support networks and often at a considerable cost.

Icon Cancer Centre Mildura has the capacity to deliver 900 courses of radiation therapy each year. The centre is home to an advanced Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator, which will deliver highly targeted radiation treatments and techniques closer to home for local cancer patients.

The new world-class cancer centre will operate in partnership with Icon Group and Mildura Health Private Hospital (MHPH).

MHPH will provide chemotherapy treatment in eight private oncology bays, while Icon will deliver radiation treatment to patients using the linear accelerator.

“No longer will local cancer patients need to travel long distances from loved ones to access the care they need or face financial and emotional stress during what can be months of treatment,” Icon Group CEO, Mark Middleton said.

“Regional cancer care isn’t just about treating cancer or installing a machine. It is always about community.

“Investing in the infrastructure that surrounds people’s care and building relationships with local leaders and community groups backed by experienced clinical teams provides people facing a cancer diagnosis with a local service they can rely on.

L-R Mildura Health Fund CEO, Gerard Op de Coul, Mildura Health Private Hospital CEO, Marcus Guthrie, Federal Member for Mallee, Dr Anne Webster MP, Mildura Rural City Council Mayor, Cr Liam Wood, Icon Group CEO, Mark Middleton OAM, and Icon Cancer Centre Radiation Oncologist, Dr Andrew See

“Working together with the Victorian Department of Health, Mildura Health Private Hospital and Mildura Base Public Hospital, we will provide locals with a cohesive team of cancer care specialists in one location, delivering world-class cancer care from surgery to infusion and radiation.

“We know this will make a significant difference to local patients and their families for many years to come,” Mr Middleton added.

Icon Group CEO Mark Middleton OAM with Mildura Health CEO, Marcus Guthrie

MHPH CEO, Marcus Guthrie said this was a game-changer for not only Sunraysia cancer patients, but those in Broken Hill, Swan Hill and the Riverland.

“This is such a significant step forward in the region’s healthcare capabilities and will have an immeasurable impact on cancer patients,” Mr Guthrie said.

Radiation Oncologist, Dr Andrew See has visited Mildura for many years to provide cancer care in the region and has been instrumental in the development of this new centre.

“Over the last 15 years I have seen countless examples of patients having deferred or declined treatment putting their health at risk because they couldn’t leave Mildura,” Dr See said.

“This was due to many factors including financial pressure, a need to stay and care for dependants or even pets, to complete harvest or ironically, because they were just too sick to hop on a plane or face a six-hour drive,” Dr See said.

“I have no doubt that this new centre will transform the lives and health outcomes for many in Mildura.”

Icon Cancer Centre Mildura is another example of Icon’s longstanding commitment and ability to partner with government and industry partners to deliver sustainable cancer cervices to under-served communities and improve the growing global cancer burden.

For more information about Icon Cancer Centre Mildura, click here.