HUNDREDS of breast cancer and melanoma patients in FNQ are benefiting from fundraisers walking the arrow trails of Mt Whitfield last year.
A second set of neoprobes has been bought for breast cancer and melanoma patients by the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation with money raised from the 2022 BDO Arrow Experience.
Cairns Hospital general and breast surgeon Dr Aemelia Melloy is one of several surgeons using the probes on lists of up to six patients a day, five days a week. “We use the probes on most breast cancer patients, depending on what stage they are, as we can identify which lymph node the cancer will likely drain into and then remove it, thus making a significant difference to their long-term outcomes,” Dr Melloy said. Having a second set means that we can treat more patients in a short period of time while still allowing the equipment to be sterilised in between,” she said.
Foundation CEO Gina Hogan said the 2022 BDO Arrow Experience was another successful event, both in terms of being a fun activity but also raising funds needed. “With thanks to all our sponsors, donors, walkers and people who bought tickets in the camper trailer, we were able to raise $87,000 to produce this outcome.
This year’s BDO Arrow Experience will be on Sunday, July 2, with funds to go to the Foundation’s Cancer Care Hub campaign. Taking patient care to the next level is the catch-cry of the campaign, which will mean more cancer patients will receive their treatment locally rather than having to travel south, they will live longer as new treatments are discovered, they can be treated more effectively, chemotherapy manufacturing will be expanded on site and inpatients will have better outcomes in their treatment experience.
“There has been a 40% increase in cancer activity at the Liz Plummer Cancer Care Centre in the past five years. This is because of the vast array of cancer treatments now available – people are living longer with cancer rather than dying prematurely,” Mrs Hogan said.
“Walking the Arrows with your family or friends, while fundraising for an amazing local cause, is an incredible way of having fun and making a difference. Sadly, the latest data indicates one third of the population will develop cancer during their lifetime so we know this project will make a significant difference in our community. We strongly encourage people to sign up to walk the Arrows and help cancer patients in our region.”
BDO North Queensland CEO Stacey Young said at BDO, the team was incredibly proud to see the second set of neoprobes in use following the success of last year’s BDO Arrow Experience and fundraising efforts.
“We are humbled to reflect on what this event has accomplished so far for our region and are committed to raising funds for the new Cancer Care hub in North Queensland,” Ms Young said. Cancer can affect anyone, and we believe that this hub will help patients and families receive the quality care they deserve, close to home. We believe that by working together, we can make a real impact in our community. We are excited about this year’s event and thank you to everyone involved. We look forward to seeing you on the track again this year”.
• The BDO Arrow Experience will be on Sunday, July 2. Sign up at www.arrowexperience.org.au
Photo: Foundation CEO Gina Hogan, Cairns Hospital's Dr Aemelia Melloy and BDO North Queensland CEO Stacey Young with the new neoprobe equipment.