Boost in cancer therapy

GEELONG’S first private radiation oncology facility has opened at Epworth Geelong.

Patient consultations began last week at the new Icon Cancer Centre Geelong, which has radiation therapy technology not previously available in the region.

Epworth Geelong acting executive general manager Leonie Lloyd said Epworth was excited to welcome the Icon Cancer Centre to the Waurn Ponds hospital and to expand its cancer services to include radiation oncology.

“This new offering complements our existing services, which include state of the art diagnostics, surgical and medical treatments and dedicated day oncology unit, to provide comprehensive cancer care for patients within the greater Geelong region,” she said.

Icon Cancer Centre has appointed eight Geelong residents to full-time positions and two doctors to operate the centre.

The recently-completed construction of the centre created dozens of construction jobs for local Geelong residents.

The centre offers radiation therapy treatment for all cancer types.

It is understood there is no wait list at the centre and no private health insurance is required. Radiation oncology is funded by Medicare and up to 80-90 per cent of the fee is covered.

Icon Group CEO Mark Middleton said Icon was dedicated to continuing to work with Epworth to ensure the Geelong community could receive the best cancer care possible, as close to home as possible.