Cancer care closer to home for Moreton Bay locals
Cancer care is not something most people think about day to day. But for the moment when you, or someone you know or love, needs it, knowing what options are available locally can make a real difference.
As World Cancer Day is recognised this week, locals across the City of Moreton Bay are being reminded that cancer treatment is available closer to home at Cancer Care Moreton Bay, located in the Caboolture health precinct across the road from Caboolture Hospital, and that cost should not be a barrier to care.
Radiation Oncologist Dr Megan Carroll, who works at Cancer Care Moreton Bay, said one of the most confronting things she discovered when she began working in the region was how many people were missing out on radiation treatment altogether.
“I was really shocked to hear how many patients had declined radiation treatment simply because it was too far to travel,” she said.
Distance, time and cost often combine to make treatment feel unmanageable.
“There is no need for patients to travel to Brisbane for radiation treatment. Radiation oncology is available locally, and for public patients it can be bulk billed.”
When time and cost become barriers to care
Receiving treatment locally allows many patients to keep some sense of normality during an already difficult time.
Being treated in Caboolture means people can often continue with everyday routines, whether that is dropping children off at school, continuing to work, or having more time and energy to rest and recover between appointments.
Cancer treatment is already hard enough. Adding long daily trips into Brisbane, an hour there and an hour back in traffic, can make it overwhelming.
“Time is our most precious resource. And that becomes even more important when someone is unwell.”
Practical details also matter during treatment.
“We offer free parking directly at the front of the clinic. That removes another layer of stress at a time when people already have a lot to deal with.”
Since opening, Cancer Care Moreton Bay has treated patients from across the region, including Woodford, Bribie Island, Burpengary and surrounding areas.
Dr Carroll shared the story of 94-year-old LLoyd who lives past Woodford, whose family chose for him to receive care locally so he could stay with relatives during the week and return home on weekends.
“That family support makes a real difference.”
Access, affordability and reassurance
Dr Carroll said an important message for locals is knowing they are entitled to ask for treatment at a location that works best for them.
“In many cases, referrals automatically go to Brisbane. But patients can ask their GP or specialist to be referred here instead.”
She said affordability is one of the biggest concerns for patients, and something the team takes seriously.
Consultations and treatment are bulk billed for patients going through the public system, while Medicare covers most radiation treatment costs for private patients.
“We do not want people thinking they have to travel to Brisbane because they cannot afford care locally. We will always find a way.”
Cancer Care Moreton Bay brings together modern facilities and equipment with a multidisciplinary team in Caboolture, allowing patients to receive high-quality care close to home.
“We have a state-of-the-art facility and equipment, supported by a multidisciplinary team.
“People are not missing out because they live regionally. They are receiving gold standard care, close to home.”
For those facing cancer treatment
For locals who do find themselves facing cancer treatment, Dr Carroll said one of the most important things to remember is not to give up hope.
The early days after a diagnosis can feel overwhelming, particularly with the amount of information people are exposed to, much of it outdated.
“A lot of people hear stories from someone who went through cancer 10 years ago, and those stories can be scary. But treatment has changed.”
Modern cancer care is focused not only on improving survival, but also on helping people live well during treatment, with fewer side effects and more support.
She encouraged patients undergoing radiation treatment to seek out reliable, evidence-based information online, rather than relying on anecdotal experiences.
Trusted sources such as www.targetingcancer.com.au which is run by radiation oncologists, reflect current treatment approaches and research, she said.
Above all, Dr Carroll said people should know they are not alone.
“There is a whole team behind them, and asking questions or reaching out for support is a normal part of the journey.”
Find out more
Cancer Care Moreton Bay is located within the hospital and health precinct in Caboolture. More information is available here.
Moreton Daily has previously reported on the planning and delivery of Cancer Care Moreton Bay, from the project receiving the green light through to the centre opening at Caboolture Hospital and beginning to treat local patients.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Cancer Care Moreton Bay and proudly endorsed by Moreton Daily. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Moreton Daily possible.