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 Minister for Medical Research Ben Carroll today officially opened the new $152 million centre at The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne – driving world-leading melanoma and skin cancer research in Victoria and providing more patients with comprehensive care, closer to home.
Made possible through a $12 million investment from the Allan Labor Government and te Alfred Foundation – matching funding from the Albanese Labor Government, the Quadra Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) Molecular Imaging scanner will give more Victorians a better chance of fighting Australia’s deadliest cancer.
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 2,600 scans each year helping to deliver a total of 5,000 scans when it is operational in June 2025.
In a boost to Victoria’s reputation as global leader in medical research, the PET/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.
Australia has the highest melanoma rate globally, with almost 3,000 people diagnosed annually in Victoria alone. That’s why the Labor Government is driving innovation for new treatments to respond to the increasing cases.
The Allan Labor Government has invested $50 million towards the construction of the centre, with funding also from the Albanese Labor Government, Monash University, Paula Fox and the Fox Family, Minderoo Foundation, and other philanthropic sources.
As stated by Premier Jacinta Allan
“This is a groundbreaking cancer centre in the heart of Melbourne which places 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.”
As stated by Minister for Medical Research Ben Carroll
“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.”
As stated by Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas
“This landmark project will make it easier and more accessible for patients to receive the support and treatment they need – putting comprehensive and convenient care and world-leading research under one roof.”
