Taree is one of 13 regional centres across Australia identified by the Radiation Therapy Advisory Group as requiring federal investment in radiation therapy.
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The group launched its nation wide campaign, Radiation Therapy for Regional Australia, in Newcastle on Monday, February 25, in the lead up to the federal election.
It says radiation therapy is underused in the fight against cancer in Australia. In Europe and North Amercia, one in two cancer patients received it as part of their treatment while in Australia, the ratio is one in three.
"Studies show that people with cancer in regional areas are up to 35 per cent more likely to die within five years of diagnosis than patients in the city," a spokesperson for the group said. "It is highly likely that a lack of access to radiation therapy services accounts for some deaths."
RTAG is calling on the Federal Government and Opposition to equalise access to radiation therapy for all Australians. The group is asking politicians to provide policy and funding commitments to improve access in highlighted areas, including Taree.
