St George’s Cancer Care Centre

06/08/2025

Beginning MR-Linac treatment can come with a lot of questions, and we’re here to make the process as clear and reassuring as possible.

Our team will guide you through each stage, from planning to each session, so you always know what’s happening and why.

You’ll be cared for by familiar faces who take the time to listen, explain, and support you throughout your treatment.

05/08/2025

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Kiwi women, with 1 in 9 likely to be diagnosed in their lifetime.

While some risk factors - like age or family history - can’t be changed, there are proactive steps women can take to help reduce their risk. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, limiting alcohol, and avoiding smoking all contribute to a lower risk. Regular self-checks and scheduling mammograms when eligible are also important for early detection.

Being proactive about breast health isn’t about fear, it’s about being informed, prepared, and in control of your wellbeing.

03/08/2025

MR-Linac radiation therapy is a breakthrough in cancer treatment that combines two powerful technologies, MRI imaging and a linear accelerator, into one machine.

This means doctors can see the tumour in real time and adapt the radiation with incredible accuracy, even as the body naturally moves during treatment (like breathing or digestion). For patients, this translates to more precise treatment, fewer sessions, and less damage to healthy tissue.

It’s proving to be a game changer for cancers in complex areas like the prostate, liver, kidney, and abdomen - where traditional radiation may not offer the same level of control or comfort. With fewer side effects and better outcomes, MR-Linac is helping many Kiwis take on cancer with confidence.

31/07/2025

A cancer diagnosis can be life-changing and having access to advanced, personalised care can make all the difference on the journey ahead.

St George's Cancer Centre is equipped with advanced technology and staffed by some of the country’s most experienced cancer specialists, offering innovative treatments alongside conventional options. We focus on delivering exceptional outcomes while maintaining a calm, welcoming environment for patients and families.

This is cancer care that meets the highest standards, right here in New Zealand.

30/07/2025

Not all cancer treatments are the same and asking the right questions can make all the difference.

The MR-Linac offers a new level of personalised radiation therapy, ideal for cancers located near sensitive organs or in areas that move, like the abdomen or pelvis. With its ability to see the tumour in real time and adapt treatment on the spot, it delivers highly targeted radiation while reducing damage to healthy tissue.

If you or a loved one are exploring treatment options, speak with your GP or oncologist about whether MR-Linac therapy could be the right fit.

28/07/2025

Access to expert cancer care shouldn’t be limited by location.

In Clyde, our Chemo Close to Home partnership with Dunstan Hospital allows patients to receive chemotherapy in a familiar, local setting.

These services mean fewer travel days and more time where it matters - at home, with your loved ones.

24/07/2025

When it comes to your health, staying proactive makes all the difference. Don’t ignore those screening reminders - they exist for a reason.

A yearly check-up with your GP can help catch potential issues early, before they become something more serious. And if you notice persistent symptoms or something just doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and get it checked.

Early action can lead to better outcomes.

22/07/2025

When surgery isn’t possible or preferred, the MR-Linac can offer an effective alternative.

It delivers highly targeted radiation treatment that’s guided by real-time imaging, allowing us to reach tumours in delicate areas like the abdomen, kidney, and liver.

For many, it means fewer sessions and fewer side effects. It’s a powerful option in the fight against cancer.

21/07/2025

Being there for a loved one with cancer can make a real difference - but knowing how to help isn’t always easy.

The most important thing is to listen, be present, and offer support in a way that suits their needs. Small, thoughtful gestures can go a long way.

Here are some ways you can offer meaningful support:

- Offer to drive them to appointments or sit with them during treatment
- Prepare a meal or help with everyday tasks
- Send a message to check in, even if they don’t always feel like talking
- Respect their space and energy levels - it changes day to day
- Help keep life feeling normal with shared hobbies or time together

Above all, let them know they don’t have to face it alone.

18/07/2025

The MR-Linac isn’t just about advanced radiation technology, it’s about a better experience for patients.

There’s no need for recovery time, no implanted markers, and no overnight hospital stay. Most people can return to their normal routine shortly after treatment.

It’s cancer care that fits into your life, not the other way around.

The MR-Linac: Precise imaging. Less treatments. Advanced accuracy. Find out more about the MR Linac and availalbe treatments here.

16/07/2025

Cancer care takes a team, and that team includes more than medical professionals.

Through our close relationship with Encompass Health, patients can access specialised physiotherapy, counselling, nutritional support, and oncology massage, all designed to improve wellbeing during and after treatment.

Learn more at www.encompasshealth.org.nz.

14/07/2025

MR-Linac technology delivers highly targeted radiation, often resulting in fewer side effects by minimising exposure to healthy tissue - which is where most side effects typically arise.

For example, consider a patient receiving radiation for a prostate tumour.

In traditional radiation therapy, the treatment team must account for natural movements, like the bladder filling or slight shifts during breathing, by expanding the radiation “safety margin.” Meaning that not just the prostate, but parts of the bladder and re**um may receive radiation too. That’s why many patients report bowel, bladder, and erectile issues as side effects.

With our MR-Linac, precision comes from its ability to see the tumour in real time using MRI and adapt the radiation field during treatment. So, if the prostate shifts slightly or nearby organs move, the beam adjusts instantly.

The result? Only the tumour is targeted, and critical structures like the bladder and re**um are spared unnecessary radiation.