06 February 2024

Radiation oncology services in the ACT have been given a world-class boost, following the full replacement of four linear accelerator machines, better known as LINACs. These new state-of-the-art machines in the Canberra Region Cancer Centre deliver high-energy radiation to treat tumours with minimal impact on healthy tissue.

Director of Radiation Therapy, Martin Seng says one of the machines, known as the 'EDGE', is the first of its kind in the ACT.

'We are very excited to be able to offer this to patients who may have a better chance of managing and beating their cancers,' Martin said.

To improve the patient experience, when people visit the clinic images of Lake Burley Griffin, Brindabella, Murrumbidgee and Jervis Bay feature on the ceiling.

'This is to help give patients a sense of calm and a beautiful scenery to look at and distract them while receiving radiation therapy treatments,' Martin said.

'We didn't want a sterile look and feel, we wanted a safe, kind and gentle place for our patients who are going through their radiation treatments', Martin said.

'I love being able to contribute towards achieving my vision for our health service – which is to lead Australia in our field by delivering world class radiation therapy for our patients and improve their outcomes,’ Martin said.

The LINAC replacement program, was funded through the Commonwealth Government's Radiation Oncology Health Program Grant, with an additional investment from the ACT Government.

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