New cancer service available at Stawell

Anew service in Stawell will give patients access to radiation therapy treatment used in the fight against skin cancer.

The State Government has provided $250,000 for radiotherapy equipment for Stawell Austin Radiation Oncology Service, SAROS.

Austin Health radiation oncologist Dr Louise Gorman said a partnership between Austin Health and Stawell Regional Health would provide the service.

“We are very excited to be able to offer radiotherapy services to the community in this part of Victoria,” she said.

“Radiotherapy is a key treatment option for people with skin cancers and this new service will give public health patients in the Grampians region access to a comprehensive skin-cancer service for the first time.

“One of the great advantages of this radiation therapy is that in most cases the patient comes in for their appointment and 20 to 30 minutes later they are heading back to work.

“This type of treatment can cure skin cancer and in some circumstances remove the need for patients to have surgery.”

Stawell Regional Health Clinical Services acting director Kate Pride said the new service would be available to public patients at no cost.

“It is an important step in making the latest cancer treatments accessible to rural communities,” she said.

“The SAROS service complements a range of cancer services available at Stawell Regional Health and we are pleased to work with Austin Health to provide the service.”

Dr Gorman said Austin Health provided cancer services through the Olivia Newton-john Cancer Wellness and Research Centre in Melbourne and Ballarat Austin Radiation Oncology Centre.

“Patients in the Grampians region are currently less likely to be treated using radiation therapy than patients anywhere else in Victoria. This new service will mean the community no longer has to travel to Ballarat or Melbourne to receive the same care,” she said.

Dr Gorman encouraged anyone diagnosed with skin cancer to discuss with their doctor if radiotherapy treatment was suitable.

“The new equipment will be delivered to Stawell Regional Health next month with the new service available to patients from May this year,” Ms Pryde said.

People seeking more information about the new radiotherapy service at Stawell Hospital can call Ballarat Austin Radiation Oncology Centre on 5320 8600.