New machine in Mbombela means better access to lifesaving treatment
Mbombela, Mpumalanga: Icon Oncology the biggest provider of cancer treatment in the country, celebrated the installation of a brand-new linear acceleration (Linac) at its radiation therapy unit in Mbombela earlier this month. This is good news for people living with cancer in the Mbombela and greater Mpumalanga area who need to receive lifesaving treatment.
The official launch of the machine was celebrated and attended by a team of top local oncologists who treat patients at the unit. The new machine will help these experts to treat more patients using leading-edge technology at the Lowveld Oncology Unit.
The greater oncology community in Mbombela was also represented at the event with guests from Mediclinic, CANSA and Hospice attending.
Guest from the local oncology community attended the new linac ribbon-cutting event. From front left to right: Dr Joseph Mthombeni, Head of Oncology Department Rob Ferreira Hospital; Marike Janse van Vuuren, Icon Radiotherapy Area Manager; Joleen van Staaden, Lead Radiotherapist; seated, Dr Sarita Retief, Oncologist; Jane Nubi, Icon Medical Physicist; Jabulane Hlungwane, Icon Radiotherapist, Ntombifuthi Sibanyoni, Icon unit receptionist. Back row, left to right: Lizl Page, Icon Regional Business Manager; Dr Henri Neethling, Oncologist; Dr Ernst Marais, COO of Icon Oncology. Absent from photo: Dr Nkanyiso Zwane, oncologist.
The installation of the multi-million-rand Varian Halcyon™ Linac, is a significant investment and will allow more patients to access vital cancer treatment closer to home.
The Halcyon™ radiotherapy system is engineered to deliver treatment, harnessing the latest advances in radiation therapy. It allows for the very careful delivery of external beam radiation therapy. These machines focus the radiation on the exact location where it needs to be to kill cancer cells.
The biggest benefit of the machine is that it delivers a precise, tightly controlled, and focused radiation dose to the tumour, while it reduces the impact on surrounding healthy tissue. The treatment is fast and the linac is designed to move quietly, which means a more relaxed experience for patients.
The new linac installation at the unit is part of an ongoing national expansion and investment in new technology which ensures that Icon Oncology and its network of oncologists remain at the forefront of cancer care.
