For cancer patients in the Ipswich and West Moreton regions, a new chapter of care has begun.
The recent opening of the Icon Cancer Centre at Ramsay Health Care’s St Andrew’s Ipswich Private Hospital is already making a meaningful difference, providing advanced radiation therapy closer to home.
For Lorraine Broughton, a 70-year-old Ipswich resident and two-time breast cancer survivor, the new centre was more than convenient, it was a lifeline.
“Back then I didn’t have an option where I had my treatment, the daily trip to Auchenflower by train was to say the least, very exhausting,” Lorraine shared, reflecting on her first experience with cancer in 2010.
When Lorraine was diagnosed again in December 2024 with invasive carcinoma in her right breast, she was referred to the newly opened Icon Cancer Centre in Ipswich. The timing couldn’t have been better.
“It was a godsend for me, as I’m not sure how I could have travelled further to have this treatment,” she said.
“I was so fortunate that the Icon Cancer Centre in Ipswich had opened at St Andrew’s Private Hospital in time for my treatment.
“Knowing the centre was local and had everything I needed gave me a real sense of relief.
“How did I know something was wrong? Strangely, I just knew.
“We had plans to travel. I was due for my yearly mammogram and ultrasound on the 16 December last year.
“I saw my GP on the 19 December and was called in to have a biopsy on 8 January. My GP informed me it was an invasive carcinoma in the right breast. I was referred to a surgeon, Dr. Susan Bell.
“Well, this doctor had my head spinning. At speed, she had everyone organised, she was just brilliant. Getting the diagnosis left me thinking, how could this be happening to me again?”
“I had to accept that I’ve done it before, and I can do it again.”
Since opening in May 2025, the Icon Cancer Centre has already delivered more than 200 radiation treatments and treated complex cases using its Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator.
The centre provides tattoo-less radiation therapy for breast cancer, stereotactic treatments for lung, spine and brain tumours, and HyperArc technology for patients with multiple secondary brain metastases, bringing world-class care to the heart of Ipswich.
Lorraine’s treatment began with surgery in January 2025, followed by 12 weeks of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. She completed her radiation therapy at Icon Cancer Centre Ipswich on 8 July 2025, ending her treatment journey ringing the bell.
“I celebrated by ringing the bell, then walking out of the Icon Cancer Centre feeling very thankful for the treatment and the convenience of not having to travel a long distance. I also can’t forget to thank Barry who looked after us in the carpark. He is an asset to the hospital,” she said.
Site manager Kurt Burrows said Lorraine’s story reflects the centre’s mission to make a meaningful difference in the lives of local cancer patients.
“We are incredibly proud to have supported Lorraine through her treatment journey,” Mr Burrows said.
“Having access to advanced cancer care close to home can ease a great deal of stress during what is already a very difficult time. Lorraine’s strength and positivity have been inspiring to all of us here at Icon Ipswich.”
Lorraine speaks with deep gratitude about the care she received throughout her journey.
“The staff were wonderful and getting to know them, they were my heroes, along with all the other medical staff. I can’t talk highly enough, just so accommodating and compassionate towards the plight of our suffering,” she said.
Having cancer in the family, her mother and grandmother also had breast cancer meant Lorraine faced her diagnosis with both fear and determination.
Now on the path to recovery, Lorraine is embracing the everyday moments.
“I now have some energy to get back out into the garden, which is my peaceful place, and back to some form of normality. My treatment hasn’t finished yet, but I’m on the way. I’m so grateful to everyone at Icon for the care they provided.”
The Icon Cancer Centre at St Andrew’s Ipswich Private Hospital is the result of a strong partnership between Icon Cancer Centre and Ramsay Health Care, delivering world-class technology and compassionate care to the Ipswich community, right where it’s needed most.
If you would like to find out more about our service or how you can become a patient at Icon Cancer Centre Ipswich, please visit https://iconcancercentre.com.au/centre/ipswich/
Photo caption: Lorraine with the staff at Icon Cancer Centre Ipswich.
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