Cancer care provider GenesisCare and St Vincent’s Private Hospital Werribee have officially launched the first radiation therapy centre in the City of Wyndham.

The new $14 million centre will improve access to local cancer care for communities in Melbourne’s west, reducing the need for patients to travel outside the region for treatment and saving some patients around 15 hours in travel time over the course of their care. The facility fills a significant gap, becoming the only radiation therapy centre serving the nearly 70-kilometre corridor between Geelong and Footscray.

Modelling suggests that almost half of Australians diagnosed with cancer would benefit from radiation therapy. 

GenesisCare Radiation Oncologist Dr Mario Guerrieri said: “This centre offers GenesisCare’s model of personalised cancer care using state-of-the-art technology and evidence-based radiation therapy techniques. Having these services available locally helps patients to maintain their routines and keep support networks close, which can play an important role in their overall treatment experience and outcomes.”

The purpose-built facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including a Varian Truebeam linear accelerator capable of delivering highly precise radiation therapy, including stereotactic treatments. The centre offers surface-guided tattoo-free radiation therapy and on-site CT imaging to support the treatment of a wide range of tumour types.

Located at St Vincent’s Private Hospital Werribee, the centre is now part of one of the most comprehensive cancer centres in Melbourne’s west with access to existing cancer therapy services such as surgery and medical oncology at the same location. 

St Vincent’s Private Hospital Victorian Chief Executive Geraldine Lannon said: “Introducing radiation therapy will significantly strengthen cancer care at St Vincent’s Werribee, complementing existing cancer services including surgery and medical oncology and the recently refurbished Day Infusion Centre, and giving local patients access to one of the most comprehensive oncology services in Melbourne’s western region.”

The new centre will improve access to cancer care for communities in Melbourne's west, with capacity to provide radiation therapy to more than 500 local patients each year.

Demand for cancer services continues to grow in Wyndham, one of Australia’s fastest-growing municipalities. Almost 4,000 residents reported having cancer, including those in remission, in the 2021 Census. 

GenesisCare Unit Leader and Radiation Therapist Jennie Dao who lives locally and works at the new centre in Werribee said: “I know this new centre will make a difference to local patients – it will cut the commute time and build a bridge for patients. Melbourne is growing and it’s great to be a part of the team expanding and delivering GenesisCare’s cancer services in new communities.”

By bringing advanced cancer treatment closer to home, the centre aims to improve access, reduce travel burden and support better health outcomes for patients.