Leading skin cancer specialists will now be able to detect cancer earlier with the new Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre home to the latest scanning technology – giving Victorians the lifesaving treatment they need sooner.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Medical Research Minister Ben Carroll officially opened the new $152 million centre at The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne on Friday 19 April – driving world-leading melanoma and skin cancer research in Victoria and providing more patients with comprehensive care, closer to home.
The State Government has made a $12 million investment to Alfred Foundation – matching funding from the Federal Government, the Quadra Positron Emission Tomography and Computed Tomography (PET-CT) Molecular Imaging scanner will give more Victorians a better chance of fighting Australia’s deadliest cancer.
Premier Jacinta Allan said this is a ground-breaking cancer centre in the heart of Melbourne.
“This puts Victorians in a world-leading patient care at the heart of its services and will uncover new ways to treat and prevent melanoma in a growing number of Victorians,” she said.
A new generation of scanner, the technology can better detect smaller lesions while also increasing the safety of patients and radiographers by delivering scans with less radiation exposure.
Through simultaneous whole-body scanning, it will also reduce the need for cancer patients to undergo multiple follow-up scans.
It will also double the centre’s initial capacity, with an additional 2600 scans each year helping to deliver a total of 5000 scans when it is operational in June 2025.
Medical Research Minister Ben Carroll said this is a game changing moment for Victorian patients.
“We’re backing Victoria’s medical researchers to continue leading the way – and this new centre will drive global melanoma research to deliver innovative local breakthroughs and improve the lives of Victorians,” he said.
In a boost to Victoria’s reputation as global leader in medical research, the PET and CT scanner will also help local experts conduct clinical oncology trials.
Almost 300 more patients will be able to receive treatment at the new centre each day, with its 25 clinic rooms and 49 chemotherapy treatment chairs designed as a ‘patient-centred’ facility focusing on wellbeing and convenience.
The centre will be home to the Victorian Melanoma Service at The Alfred, Alfred Cancer Services and the Australian Clinical Trials Centre, all integrated with Alfred Cancer to create a seamless care experience for patients.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said it’s great to put a comprehensive and convenient care and world-leading research under one roof.
“This landmark project will make it easier and more accessible for patients to receive the support and treatment they need,” she said.
Australia has the highest melanoma rate globally, with almost 3,000 people diagnosed annually in Victoria alone.
That’s why the Federal Government is driving innovation for new treatments to respond to the increasing cases.
The State Government has invested $50 million towards the construction of the centre, with funding also from the Federal Government, Monash University, Paula Fox and the Fox Family, Minderoo Foundation, and other philanthropic sources.
