Kellyann grateful for tattoo-less radiation therapy

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Far North Queensland women, affecting more than 180 people each year. For many of these women, the need for permanent tattoos as part of their radiation therapy treatment can come as an unwelcome daily reminder of their cancer.

Through Icon Cancer Centre Cairns, local patients are now benefiting from state-of-the-art treatment using Varian’s IDENTIFY™ Surface Guidance System – an advanced technology that delivers highly-accurate radiation treatment without the need to have permanent tattoo marks.

After undergoing a lumpectomy and removal of her lymph nodes in January, Kellyann was referred to Icon Cancer Centre Cairns for six weeks of radiation therapy treatment using the Varian IDENTIFY system. She says being able to avoid permanent tattoos made things less stressful, ensuring she could focus on preparing for her treatment.

“It’s one less thing to worry about. Many women are fearful of getting tattoos and the lasting reminders can be upsetting once treatment ends. To be able to avoid the invasiveness of being tattooed while having the opportunity to receive highly-targeted treatment for my cancer, it gives me peace of mind. Every step of the way, I’ve always felt like the team at Icon have put me first,” Kellyann said.