New breast cancer treatment available for Bunbury patients

Breast cancer patients in Bunbury no longer have to travel to Perth in order to receive best practice radiation treatments.

The Deep Inspirations Breath Hold Technique (DIBH) helps minimise the risk of side effects impacting the heart during radiation therapy.

GenesisCare’s oncology centre at Bunbury Hospital is now able to provide the treatments as part of a partnership with Western Australia Country Health Services.

GenesisCare Radiation Oncologist Dr Eugene Leong said it was the best practice technique for women with left-sided breast cancer.

“Breast and prostate cancer are the two most common tumours we treat with radiation therapy, so we are thrilled to be able to offer the benefits of this treatment to the Bunbury community,” he said.

“Our focus is to ensure great patient experiences and the best possible clinical outcomes, and DIBH offers both.”

According to the Cancer Council, breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer for women in WA as well as being the second-highest cause of death.

WA Country Health Service South West regional director Kerry Winsor said it was positive news for the community.

“Patients across the South West are set to benefit from this new breast cancer treatment at Bunbury Hospital,” she said.

“The WA Country Health Service is pleased to be working in partnership with GenesisCare at Bunbury Hospital to deliver innovative radiotherapy treatments such as this one to local people.”

It is estimated one in 41 women will be killed by breast cancer before turning 85.

GenesisCare oncology services general manager Michael Davis said the healthcare provider continued to look at ways to collaborate with local medical teams to improve access to treatments.

“Our promise is to continually improve cancer treatment services in local areas, so patients can stay close to home and reduce the burden of treatment,” he said.