A new billion-dollar cancer centre is the cornerstone of a 10-year strategy to improve cancer services in Queensland.
New images of the Herston-based complex were released today, as the State Government responds to the fact that cancer rates in Queensland are 10 percent higher than the national average, mostly driven by melanomas and other skin cancers.
Premier Steven Miles said more than $1.73 billion would be invested in cancer care this financial year.
“The Queensland Cancer Plan sets out a roadmap to revolutionise services and care by improving access to world-leading treatments, strengthening cancer services particularly in regional communities, and improving access to care for children and First Nations peoples,” Premier Miles said.
He said a key priority of the new 10-year strategy was ensuring patients had access to more personalised and coordinated care throughout every stage of cancer treatment, including detection, diagnosis, treatment, recovery and, where necessary, end-of-life support.
“It also includes the expansion of new innovative therapies such as Car T Cell for hard-to-treat cancers and for patients without other treatment options.”
Premier Miles said the new $1.1 billion, 150-bed, Queensland Cancer Centre would deliver a range of new and innovative cancer treatments, including cellular therapy and world-leading nuclear theranostics.
He said the Centre, which would open in 2028, would also offer proton beam therapy, which used radiation to target cancers more precisely near vital and vulnerable organs, making this form of therapy especially beneficial for children undergoing cancer treatment.
“Cancer unfortunately impacts so many lives across Queensland – more than any other state in the country.
“That’s why this new 10-year plan, which has been informed by our health experts, is so important.”
Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said more than 33,000 Queenslanders were diagnosed with cancer each year.
“Our top priority is for every Queenslander to be able to access the best possible care, no matter where they live.”
