Cancer Library
Tips for getting through treatment with a radiation therapy mask
For many breast cancer patients, the need for permanent tattoos as part of their radiation therapy treatment can come as an unwelcome daily reminder of their cancer
Now Sunshine Coast breast cancer patients can access state-of-the-art treatment at Icon Cancer Centre Maroochydore that is both highly accurate and eliminates the need for permanent tattoo marks, with the introduction of Varian’s IDENTIFY™ Surface Guidance System.
Traditional radiation therapy for breast cancer requires patients to receive very small but permanent tattoos on their chest. These tattoos help the radiation therapist position the patient correctly and deliver treatment to the right location. The IDENTIFY™ technology heralds a new standard in radiation therapy and eliminates the need to permanently mark the body, using advanced optical surface tracking and real time motion management to continuously monitor a patient’s position during treatment, while simultaneously tracking the patient’s natural breathing movements.
Buderim resident, Tracey Phillips recently underwent radiation therapy at Icon Cancer Centre Maroochydore using the IDENTIFY™ technology after being diagnosed with breast cancer in January this year.
“By luck, I found a lump when brushing a moth off my chest. I had received clearance from a breast screen check only three weeks before, but I went to my GP as it really didn’t feel right,” says Tracey.
“The diagnosis wasn’t really a surprise as I had strong suspicions. It was still very worrying and I wasn’t sure I understood then what stage or type it was, or what it really meant for my health.”
Once I had a diagnosis, I immediately contacted the surgeon recommended by the GP. I was very lucky to get a response that same day and an appointment the next. The proposed treatment was surgery followed by radiation therapy and hormone treatment.
Following Tracey’s surgery, she was referred to Icon Cancer Centre Maroochydore for her radiation therapy treatment under the care of radiation oncologist, Dr Marcel Knesl.
“I wasn’t particularly worried about having to be tattooed but it was nice to find out it wasn’t necessary at Icon Maroochydore. One less procedure is always good. It was also great to know that I was getting access to one of the more modern (radiation therapy) machines available,” says Tracey.
“Throughout this journey I have received wonderful support and care from all the staff looking after me and my family. Dr Knesl and the whole team at Icon Maroochydore are an absolute credit to the profession and it is very clear to me that the patient needs are always a priority for them. They are a wonderful bunch of people.”
Dr Knesl said Icon Cancer Centre Maroochydore is focused on providing local cancer patients like Tracey with access to the latest treatments, closer to home.
The omission of tattoos is one less thing for our breast cancer patients to worry about during their treatment. For some patients, tattoos can be an unwelcome daily reminder of their cancer. This technology also increases accuracy and reduces patient treatment times. We are proud to offer such state-of-the-art technology at Icon Cancer Centre Maroochydore. By bringing advancements in cancer care technology to the region, we are best positioned to support our patients live well through their cancer treatment and beyond.
Explore more from Icon
Discover our comprehensive collection of content designed to inform, support, and guide you through every aspect of cancer care. From the latest news and updates to personal patient experiences and educational resources, these materials provide valuable insights to help you better understand cancer, treatment options, and the journey ahead.
