Cancer Care Macarthur, a new $20m, state-of-the-art facility at 218 Queen Street in Campbelltown, is set to revolutionise cancer care in the Southwestern Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD).

The launch for the official opening is Tuesday, 27 August, and the 1,100 m2 facility offers Radiation Oncology, Medical Oncology, Haematology, Oncology Pharmacy, Allied Health, a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT), support services and patients can see specialists on a fast-tracked basis.

The facility has been built to address the growing demand for cancer care in the Southwest Sydney local health district (SWSLHD), with Data showing the region has higher incidence rates of lung, thyroid, liver and stomach cancers than the rest of NSW.

There were 5,134 new cancer cases and 1,668 cancer deaths in 2021 and with a projected population of up to 1,293,520 by 2036, it’s estimated 7,900 new cancer cases will be diagnosed annually by 2031.

Oncology services include Radiation, Medical, Haematology, Allied Health, the latest treatments in systemic chemotherapy and immunotherapy approaches, including the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine, and on-site haematologists.

Developed by Cancer Care Associates, the centre also offers the latest treatments in systemic chemotherapy and immunotherapy approaches, including the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine, and adds to Cancer Care Associates centres in the Northern Beaches, Wollongong, Southside, Griffith and Wollongong.

Cancer Care Associates CEO, Damien Williams, says it will complement and work with existing cancer treatment providers in Campbelltown, which is one of Sydney’s fastest growing regions.

“Cancer Care Macarthur offers South West Sydney cancer patients affordable, comprehensive and quick access to consultations and treatment in state-of-the-art facilities,” he says.

“Patients will have rapid access to an appointment with our Specialists within days of the referral received and treatment commencing very shortly after consultation. 

“Quick access to care achieves the best outcomes for patients together with alleviating pressure on the public hospital systems. In addition to treatment, the Cancer Care Macarthur Centre is committed to advancing cancer research.”

Supported by the Cancer Care Foundation, Cancer Care Macarthur has already been approved for three clinical trials so far. 

These will be led by Dr Raj Jagavkar, Director of Cancer Care Macarthur and Senior Radiation Oncologist, Dr Mahmood Alam, Medical Oncology, and Research Director, Professor Paul de Souza.

Dr Jagavkar says, “The foundation has two two goals. One is to support patients that fall between the gaps – whether that’s financially, difficulty with medical bills, or having to travel further afield for treatment.

“This allows patients quick, affordable access to experienced oncology specialists and staff in state of the art facilities with no or low out of pocket costs.

“The other major component is supporting cancer research with clinical trials, which patients will now be able to undergo locally.”

Cancer Care Macarthur works closely with patients’ current health providers and GPs, engaging with them at the beginning of their cancer journey through diagnosis, treatment and beyond.

Dr Mahmood Alam, medical oncology consultant services, says, “As well as providing the best care and treatments available, we offer experimental drugs which are still under development and not yet commercially available.

“This unique opportunity is provided because of our interest in clinical trials, the combination of skills and infrastructure we have and our dedicated team.”

Treatment for Medical Oncology can be accessed via private health insurance and cost for radiation therapy is significantly supported by Medicare and the Safety Net Threshold.

Cancer Care Macarthur is supported by the Commonwealth via the Radiation Oncology Health Program Grant scheme ensuring bulk billing is available for Pension Card holders and health care card holders but importantly the centre ensures with any financial concerns have limited or no out of pocket expenses. 

The Cancer Care Foundation may also assist both insured and uninsured cancer patients to cover ancillary costs such as accommodation, transportation, and treatment. 

Understanding the emotional and psychological toll of cancer, the Cancer Care Macarthur Centre offers a wide range of support services for both patients and their families. These include counselling, support groups, nutritional advice, and wellness programs designed to help patients cope with the challenges of their diagnosis and treatment.

Cancer Care Macarthur also delivers high-value educational forums for specialists and GPs, uniting its networks with the primary focus of patients at the forefront.

Professor Paul De Souza, Research Director, says the centre has a community focus and will be leading a number of educational forums consistently across all primary physicians, specialists and medical streams in the region. 

“On the ground connection is critical in South West Sydney, and shared care and we are dedicated to fostering shared care and survivorship,” he says.

“We also offer fast-track services for patients, their families, or providers who just want a quick second opinion without any obligations. We also offer this for those who require an urgent start to treatment if the referral processes elsewhere seem too slow, or want to check out our clinical trial options, can choose to see our doctors on a fast-track basis.

“We will be collaborating and connecting with our colleagues and our patients’ specialists and GPs for best treatment options and outcomes.”

Cancer Care Associates is dedicated to address the growing need for accessible, high-quality cancer treatment closer to home, including for those living in regional and rural areas.

Research shows rural cancer patients, in comparison with their urban counterparts, face poor treatment outcomes including poor physical health, low quality of life, unmet supportive care needs, and experience a multitude of barriers to accessing local health services and psychosocial support.

Historically, regional patients have faced considerable challenges in accessing cancer care, often having to travel long distances to metropolitan cities for treatment. Cancer Care Associates has a long history of supporting regional patients with the establishment of the Riverina Cancer Care Centre in 2002. Cancer Care Macarthur adds to the group’s other facilities in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Miranda, regionally in Wollongong and Griffith.

All facilities are equipped with cutting-edge technology to ensure patients have quick and affordable access to the latest Medical Oncology, Haematology and Radiation Therapy treatment techniques. 

Staffed by teams of highly skilled oncologists, surgeons, nurses, and support staff dedicated to providing personalised and compassionate care, this comprehensive approach ensures that patients receive the best possible treatment and support throughout their cancer journey.

Mr Williams said “We’re thrilled to announce the official opening of Cancer Care Macarthur, a comprehensive oncology service centrally located at 218 Queen Street, Campbelltown. 

“This marks a pivotal milestone in our commitment to the local community and providing accessible, affordable and comprehensive cancer care in the heart of the Macarthur region.”