A Game-Changer for Cancer Detection

“I thought I had the flu,” says Peter. “But then my doctor found a large lump, and the biopsy showed it was really aggressive. That was disconcerting. How do I tackle this? Do I need to make a Will?”

Thankfully, Peter regained his strength and life returned to normal. But when his PSA levels started to climb a few years later, a PET scan was ordered to investigate further.

That PET scan detected a hidden tumour in his prostate – a tumour that may have been missed. As a result, Peter was able to receive fast, targeted treatment.

“They were able to radiate it and prevent it from spreading. And it actually worked. They got rid of it. So, for me, personally, it’s lifesaving. It’s just crucial to give yourself more time. And the more time you have, the better.”

As one of only two fully integrated cancer services in Victoria, our current analogue PET scanner operates at capacity with 18 scans per day. Needless to say, securing a next-generation digital PET/CT scanner will be a game-changer on many levels:

1. Faster scans – Scan times will reduce from 15 minutes to 6 minutes, allowing up to 25 patients to receive a scan daily.
2. Detects the invisible – Advanced technology can pick up lesions as tiny as 2–4mm that older scans would have missed.
3. Greater accuracy – Sharper, clearer imaging acquired in one rapid sweep provides more detailed information and accurate diagnoses.
4. Safer for patients – Uses less radioactive tracer while delivering better patient outcomes.

Peter’s urologist, Associate Professor Daniel Moon, says this new scanner will allow our entire team of urologists, oncologists, neurologists, and surgeons to diagnose patients faster and with greater accuracy so they can begin treatment sooner.

“This next-generation scanner is fantastic,” says A/Prof Moon. “It will give us a better understanding of the extent of their disease, and it means we’re less likely to miss cancer elsewhere. It’s finding things earlier, when they’re smaller.”

Like Peter, Sophia’s world was “rocked to the core” when she discovered she had inherited a BRCA2 gene mutation that significantly increased her risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. At the time, her baby was just eight months old.

“It took the wind out of me. I didn’t know if I was going to be around to raise my child. And all the dreams you have for your life suddenly become very shakey.”

A few years later, Sophia was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her treatment plan was intense, including a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, 12 months of Herceptin medication, as well as a hysterectomy to prevent ovarian cancer.

What got her through was the compassionate care from the entire Cabrini team.

“The care was amazing,” she says. “You can’t fault it. From the first appointment with the breast care nurses to the admin staff greeting you with a smile, having the same faces and knowing who was on my team made a big difference.”

Sophia was one of 106 Victorians who are diagnosed with cancer every day. And while our incredible team are fully prepared to meet the growing demand for cancer care, staying ahead means having the latest equipment and technology.