Older and Bolder: Care closer to home

Understanding local treatment options

Many Moreton Bay locals facing cancer treatment still believe they need to travel into Brisbane for care, but Cancer Care Moreton Bay says many patients may have more options than they realise.

Located within the Caboolture health precinct opposite Caboolture Hospital, the clinic is encouraging patients to better understand their choices and feel empowered to ask questions about where they receive treatment.

Head of Business Development and Marketing Renae Lopez says one of the biggest misconceptions the team continues to encounter is the belief that treatment must automatically happen through major Brisbane hospitals.

“There’s still a lot of misinformation out there. A lot of patients don’t realise they may be able to access treatment locally, closer to home, with a referral from their GP,” Renae says.

For many patients, receiving treatment locally can significantly reduce the physical, emotional and financial pressure that often comes with a cancer diagnosis.

Daily travel into Brisbane, parking costs, fuel expenses and time away from work or family can quickly become overwhelming, particularly during radiation treatment, which may require multiple appointments across several weeks.

The impact of travelling for care

Radiation oncologist Dr Megan Carroll says one of the most confronting things she discovered when she first began working in the region was how many patients had declined radiation treatment altogether because they believed travel made it unmanageable.

“I was really shocked to hear how many patients had declined radiation treatment simply because it was too far to travel,” Dr Carroll says.

“There is no need for many patients to travel to Brisbane for radiation treatment. Radiation oncology is available locally, and for public patients it can be bulk billed.”

Patients have a choice

Dr Carroll says patients should feel comfortable asking questions, seeking second opinions and exploring treatment pathways that work best for their circumstances.

“Patients have a choice, and they deserve to understand those options,” she says.

“It’s important people advocate for themselves and have conversations with their GP or specialist if being treated locally is important to them.”

Cancer Care Moreton Bay supports both public and private patients and works alongside healthcare providers across the region to help patients better understand available treatment pathways.

“We’re here to support local patients closer to home and work positively with both public and private healthcare providers,” Renae says.

“We really want people to know they can pick up the phone, ask questions and understand what options may be available to them.”

Supporting patients closer to home

Receiving treatment locally can also help patients maintain some sense of normality during an already difficult time, allowing more time at home, less travel fatigue and easier access to support networks.

The clinic also provides onsite nursing and allied health support as part of its broader patient care approach.

“Time is our most precious resource, and that becomes even more important when someone is unwell,” Dr Carroll says.

“Being treated closer to home can make a significant difference, not only physically, but emotionally as well.”

Above all, both Dr Carroll and Renae say the most important message for locals is simple: understand your options, ask questions and know support is available locally.

Cancer Care Moreton Bay is located at 28 McKean Street, Caboolture, within the Caboolture health precinct opposite Caboolture Hospital. Free onsite parking is available.

“Cancer Care Moreton Bay is already having a positive impact across our region by providing world-class radiation oncology services locally, reducing the need for vulnerable patients to travel long distances for treatment.

Ensuring patients can receive treatment closer to home not only eases pressure on families, but also supports better health outcomes and quality of life.”
— Ariana Doolan MP, Member for Pumicestone

What patients should know

Patients may be able to access radiation treatment locally at Cancer Care Moreton Bay with a referral from their GP or specialist.

The clinic encourages locals to:

Ask their GP about local treatment options

Request a referral to Cancer Care Moreton Bay if they would prefer treatment closer to home

Call the clinic directly to discuss available services and support options

Seek a second opinion if they would like more information about their care pathway

Part of our Older and Bolder Special Feature, celebrating life over 50 in Moreton Bay.

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.