More than 1800 sign petition calling for end to “postcode lottery” in cancer treatment services

Fresh pressure is mounting on State and Federal governments to end the “postcode lottery” in cancer treatment services, with a petition now signed by more than 1,800 people calling for support for radiation treatment in Perth’s east.

There are currently no public radiation oncology services available in the Perth Hills area; This means patients in areas such as Midland, Kalamunda, Wooroloo and surrounding suburbs must travel to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital for treatment or face significant out-of-pocket costs in private facilities.

However, patients requiring radiation oncology in Mandurah, Rockingham and surrounding areas can access treatment through local private providers under a public-private partnership, with Medicare covering 90 per cent of the cost.

Liberal MP Adam Hort, Member for Kalamunda, has launched a petition through Parliament to “draw the House’s attention to the disparity faced by cancer patients in the eastern suburbs and Perth Hills in accessing radiation oncology services”.

Speaking to The West Australian, Mr Hort said he believed a solution could be implemented “almost instantly” by copying existing agreements and extending them to Icon Midland.

“All that is needed in Midland, like others in Perth, is a simple service agreement between WA Health and Icon Cancer Centre,” Mr Hort said.

“I have raised this issue in Parliament many times, but the minister’s attitude continues to change: from support, to excuses, to blaming the Commonwealth. This can be done, but it has not been made a priority.”

Mr Hort, who has worked as a pharmacist in the healthcare industry for 16 years, described the situation as a “postcode lottery” that places an “unacceptable burden” on patients and carers.

“The reality for many Hills cancer patients is that after hours of grueling treatment, they have to wait hours on the bus each day to get to and from their appointments,” he said.

“This is an exhausting routine that is truly damaging to their health and their families, and raises serious questions about the impact on their treatment.”

Radiation oncologist Dr. of the privately operated Icon Cancer Center in Midland. Eve Tiong acknowledges that patients in the east are at a significant disadvantage when it comes to accessing cancer treatment and says she has seen the negative impact this has on patients.

“Transportation from the east to facilities such as Sir Charles Gairdner or Fiona Stanley is long and difficult, and using public transport while undergoing cancer treatment is far from practical,” Dr Tiong said.

“Some patients have a brain tumor and cannot drive; others are elderly and have lost their driver’s license.

“For example, one of my elderly patients in his 80s was unable to travel for treatment despite the urgent need, so he faces thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs.”

If treatment at the Icon Midland center were to be supported by the Government, as is the case at facilities in Mandurah and Rockingham, Dr Tiong believes this would greatly ease the burden on patients up to the Wheatbelt, including those in York and Northam.

While there will always be some geographic disadvantage in some parts of the state, that shouldn’t be the case in outer metropolitan areas where services are readily available, he said.

“Any hurdles between the State and Federal levels need to be overcome. There is no reason why such an agreement cannot be made for East Metro patients,” Dr Tiong said.

“Icon itself can meet the demand. We have two radiotherapy machines and a CT simulator up and running.”

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimates that approximately 169,759 new cancers will be diagnosed in Australia in 2025; Both can be treated by radiation oncology services, with the most common being breast and prostate cancers.

Western Australian Health Minister Meredith Hammat acknowledged there was a gap in public radiation oncology services in the eastern suburbs, but said the State Government was investing heavily in chemotherapy, some immunotherapy and other support services.

“We recognize that people living in the eastern suburbs and communities in the Perth hills have to travel further afield for this treatment,” Ms Hammat said.

“Our government is committed to ensuring all Western Australians have access to high-quality cancer care close to where they live.”

He said the State would advocate with the Federal Government to find ways to improve access to public oncology services.

“It is important to know that local radiation oncology services are partially funded by Medicare, which is the responsibility of the Federal Government,” Ms. Hammat said.

“We continue to advocate for the Federal Government to find ways to improve access to public radiation oncology for this community.”

Seven West Media has reached out to Federal Health Minister Mark Butler’s office for comment.