Cancer patients from the northern end of the Central Coast can now access radiation therapy pre-treatment planning at Tuggerah Lakes Private Hospital.
All Icon patients living in the area will be offered the choice to have this appointment at Tuggerah Lakes Private, saving them time and money on travel.
Icon is also offering consultation clinics for skin and breast cancer patients, with prostate consultations coming in September.
The service is a partnership between Icon Cancer Centre Gosford, Healthe Care Tuggerah Lakes Private Hospital and I-MED Radiology.
Icon has invested in upgrading the existing I-MED CT scanner to a state-of-the-art CT simulator with the latest deep-inspiration breath-holding equipment, positional laser beams and flat-bed carbon-fibre technology.
“The planning appointment is an important part of preparing for radiation therapy treatment, but travelling for any appointment can be a burden for patients,´ Icon Cancer Centre radiation oncologist Professor John Boyages said.
“Patients in Wyong and surrounding areas can now choose to access this important part of their care closer to home.”
Boyages was instrumental in bringing the service to the region.
“Radiation therapy planning is the first step in radiation treatment,” he said.
“It is a practice run for treatment without any radiation involved.
“At this appointment, our care team review the patients’ personal medical history to determine the most appropriate way for treatment.
“This may take two to four hours and can sometimes involve multiple appointments.”
Wyee resident Sue Logan was the first patient to access the new service at Tuggerah Lakes Private Hospital as she prepared for radiation therapy treatment at Icon Cancer Centre Gosford.
The 59-year-old was diagnosed with breast cancer in March this year following a routine mammogram.
She started 15 sessions of radiation therapy in July.
“It’s been a daunting few months since I was diagnosed but I’m trying to remain positive and take it in my stride,” Logan said.
“I decided to have treatment at Icon Gosford because it’s closer to home.
“It’s still a two-hour round trip.
“I’m grateful I was able to have my planning appointment at Tuggerah Lakes.
“Having access to this service is a big win for our community.
“It takes a little bit of pressure off people who are already going through a difficult time as they deal with the stress of their diagnosis and upcoming treatment.”
Logan is looking forward to finishing treatment and celebrating her 60th birthday in September.
Plans to celebrate the milestone on a holiday to Vanuatu earlier in the year were put on hold due to her cancer diagnosis.
Icon Cancer Centre Gosford has provided the latest in radiation therapy technology and techniques to the local community since opening in 1995.
It offers cutting-edge radiation therapy treatment for all cancer types, along with lymphoedema screening services.
For more information visit iconcancercentre.com.au/centre/gosford
Opening in 2019, Tuggerah Lakes Private Hospital provides access to three state of the art operating theatres, 20 single inpatient rooms, onsite consulting and medical imaging.
In the past 12 months Tuggerah Lakes has increased its commitment to patients diagnosed with cancer.
In addition to radiation oncology consulting Tuggerah Lakes Private also offers medical oncology consulting and the latest technology in the surgical management of cancer.
For more information visit tuggerahlakesprivate.com.au
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Tuggerah Lakes Private Hospital