Icon Group Takes Action to Close the Cancer Care Gap This World Cancer Day

ICON Cancer Centre

Gold Coast Private Hospital

Lower Ground 3, 14 Hill Street, Southport (07) 5634 2400 | admin.goldcoastprivate@icon.team

This World Cancer Day, Saturday 4 February, Australia’s largest dedicated cancer care provider, Icon Group is championing deeper integration of healthcare and innovation to help close the cancer care gap.

Icon Group’s continued focus follows the recent release of a national survey highlighting the obstacles to accessing cancer treatment.

Of the 600 Australia cancer patients surveyed, nearly half (45%) found living life around their care to be one of the hardest parts of their experience.

Up to 69% want to see changes to the healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic incorporated into future cancer care of the future. Specifically, increased use of virtual and digital services (76%) and greater flexibility in accessing holistic support (35%).

Icon Group CEO, Mark Middleton said that despite Australia having one of the best healthcare systems in the world, there are still significant gaps in the cancer experience that need to be addressed.

“We’re committed to providing patients greater access to integrated cancer care and working with our partners at local and national levels to connect patients to all aspects of their care,” Mr Middleton said.

“This year we’re continuing to expand our national network of cancer centres (currently at 36 centres), working alongside likeminded patient advocacy groups to improve the patient experience wherever people live.”

This focus on deeper relationships with patient advocacy groups will help connect patients with the services they need in a timely manner.

It’s enhanced by a strategic focus to providing comprehensive cancer care under one roof and using the latest technology and techniques, including centralised remote radiation therapy, to help close the care gap.

“Innovation is key to change,” Mr Middleton said.

“We’ve built a genuinely integrated network of cancer centres and expert clinical teams to eliminate the barriers faced by more remote communities.

“Our way of delivering care addresses workforce shortages and improves patients' ability to access care with greater ease.”

To mark World Cancer Day, Icon Group is running a ‘Blooms of Hope’ campaign.

Icon Cancer Centre teams across the country, including Southport, Gold Coast Private and Gold Coast University Hospital are encouraging staff, patients and visitors to contribute a piece of advice or a message of hope on a paper flower, which will be prominently displayed in their centres, highlighting Icon’s commitment to reducing the global cancer burden.

“Every cancer patient has a unique perspective and story to tell. By bringing together advice, learning and hope from across our network of integrated care services, we’re taking another step forward in closing the care gap,” Mr Middleton said.

Graeme Buntine was treated for prostate cancer at Icon Cancer Centre Gold Coast Private last year.

In mid-2021, Graeme visited his GP to seek treatment for knee pain. The father-of-three has been an avid runner for over 40 years.

The GP suggested a full medical examination, which discovered Graeme’s Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) had gone up since his last test.

Upon seeing a urologist, it was discovered Graeme had prostate cancer. Graeme chose to have his prostate removed, but when a check-up after the operation discovered his PSA was still rising, Graeme was referred to Icon Cancer Centre Gold Coast Private radiation oncologist, A/Prof Jim Jackson for radiation therapy.

“It was a big shock to the system,” Graeme said.

“I have always tried to keep myself fit through running and going to the gym three times a week for 40 years. I’ve always been careful with my diet.

“It’s so prevalent these days. Of the 45 members of my running club, 13 have been diagnosed with prostate cancer at some stage or another,” Graeme said.

Last year Graeme completed 35 sessions of radiation therapy at Icon over eight weeks.

While his cancer treatment has finished, he laughs when he points out that he still battling “dodgy knees, which I went to the GP about in the first place.”