The Minister expressed concern that some cancer patients have been known to wait up to six months for radiotherapy treatment and has advised us that there is a new committment to train more radiotherapy treatment professionals which should ease the burden on those already stretched. More information will follow as it is to hand.
He informed the forum that the new training is being run with help from the Monash University, Sir Charles Gairdner's Oncology Unit and the Cancer Council of WA.
The Minister also advised the forum that they are looking at employing overseas professionals and getting access to a 3 year scholarship for undergraduates in nuclear medicine at the University of South Australia.
They are looking at the new cancer unit as having a part to play in cancer research as he believes that this is a pivotal area in cancer care. The new cancer unit will also be a provider of paliative care and will look into quality of life and holistic approaches. They will also look into counselling and emotional support as well as medical needs.
We were also told that a new drug has been created in Western Australia that looks to starve tumours of blood supply. I think it's called an anti-angeogenesis. When I find out for sure, I'll correct myself.
Jules.
