Proton beam therapy welcome in Queensland
The announcement that proton beam therapy will be available at the new Queensland Cancer Centre is good news for Queenslanders, but more needs to be done to ensure equitable access to cancer care across the state, particularly for regional and remote communities.
“We wrote to the former Health Minister, Yvette D’Ath, with our support for all investment in cancer services, including proton beam therapy, as part of the Queensland Cancer Centre announcement,” AMA Queensland president Dr Maria Boulton said.
“AMA Queensland has been calling for this treatment to urgently be made available in Queensland, as it will save lives, minimise trauma, and help with recovery time for cancer patients and their families.
“Currently, families are forced to make the difficult decision as to whether they can financially and emotionally afford to travel overseas for proton beam therapy treatment, so we are exceptionally relieved for all patients and families that this treatment will soon be accessible in Queensland.
“While we fully support the emerging proton beam therapy as a first of its kind to Queensland and recognise that this new centre will be a lifeline for many cancer patients, it does not solve the concerns regarding a disparity in specialty health care in rural and regional communities.
“Our members need to see continued support with increased funding for specialist surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, palliative care physicians, and specialist nurses in regional and rural areas, as well as in the more populated metro areas.
“Recognising the immense burden cancer has on patients and families, we will always push for facilities, resources, and training to ensure Queenslanders have the access to the services they need.
“As Queensland is an extremely decentralised state, it is our top priority that our members and patients in all communities are provided with and able to access the upmost level of care.”