Maitland’s first radiation oncology service welcomes local patients

A new, world-class cancer centre has opened its doors for the local community, with Icon Cancer Centre Maitland now providing the latest in cancer care on-site at Maitland Private Hospital. The centre is the first to offer radiation oncology services locally and is set to save local patients up to 80 hours of travel time on average during the course of their radiation therapy treatment.

51-year-old Carla Bennett is thankful she can receive radiation therapy treatment for her breast cancer close to home as Icon Maitland’s very first patient.

“I was first diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in July of this year and have since undergone eight rounds of bi-weekly chemotherapy at Maitland Private Hospital. I’m really grateful to be able to receive my five weeks of daily radiation therapy treatment in the one location at Icon Maitland,” Carla said.

Reflecting on her cancer journey, Carla is proud to see the new Icon Maitland centre benefit her community as cancer incidence in Maitland continues to grow.

“I grew up in smaller country towns and now living in a regional area, I know all too well the difference it can make to have care available that bit closer where you don’t have to travel all the way into a major town or city. The worst thing is knowing you should be having treatment and can’t easily access it,” Carla said.

“To have the option of avoiding travelling, especially when you’re not feeling well, and the knowledge that I can get treated quickly and in a timely manner gives me peace of mind. Greater access to cancer care means more patients can be treated now and in the future.”