A third linear accelerator will strengthen cancer care services for Far North communities. Photo: CHHHS.
More radiation therapy services should be closer to home within about 18 months as cancer cases in the Far North grow at an alarming rate.
A third linear accelerator is expected to be operational at Liz Plummer Cancer Care Centre by July 2027, part of Cairns Hospital’s multi-million-dollar investment.
The cutting-edge piece of technology will join two ‘linacs’ already installed in bunkers at the centre, providing vital radiation therapy to cancer patients.
Linear accelerators generate high-energy x-rays to deliver precise radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells, while sparing healthy tissue.
The technology is regarded as the gold standard in modern radiotherapy, used in most cancer cases requiring radiation.
Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS) chief executive Leena Singh said the incidence of cancer was growing in the Far North at an exponential rate.
“There has been a 33 per cent increase in cancer activity at our Liz Plummer Cancer Care Centre in the past five years,” Ms Singh said.
“As such, our two linear accelerators have been operating at more than 17 per cent above the recommended rate for a public hospital our size; a third linac was desperately needed.”
The project includes a $6.75 million State Government contribution to facility upgrades to accommodate the new equipment funded from the Commonwealth.
Ms Singh said the new linac would mean patients received more world-class treatment closer to home, and nearer to families and support networks.
“We’re incredibly proud to continue to provide state-of-the-art technology to healthcare in Cairns for the Far North region,” she said.
“It not only strengthens our cancer care services capabilities but also underscores our commitment to keeping pace with global standards in cancer treatment.
“This is about giving hope and healing to thousands of local families for years to come.”
CHHHS director of Cancer Care Services, Sharon Avery said adding a new linear accelerator would significantly reduce waiting times and improve access to advanced, highly precise radiotherapy treatments for patients.
“This investment ensures faster, more reliable care and enhances treatment quality for our growing community,” Ms Avery said.
“The new technology positions our centre for future growth and supports world-class cancer care for the region.”
Construction and installation work on the ground level of Liz Plummer Cancer Care Centre are scheduled to start in 2026; minimal disruption is expected to existing services.
