Do you need to hold your breath for left breast radiation? Read this ...
Hopefully this equipment will be deemed necessary for ALL Rad Onc facilities .... don’t forget to ask about it!!
Breast cancer patients across the Mid North Coast are set to benefit from the introduction of new technology aimed at reducing treatment side effects.
Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH) treatment uses a specialised piece of equipment called an Active Breathing Coordinator to assist patients to take a deep breath in and hold it. This increases the distance between the breast and the heart, helping to maintain accurate delivery of treatment.
The DIBH treatment, provided by the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute (MNCCI), will be available in Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour in the coming months.
MNCCI Radiation Oncologist Dr Carmen Hansen said the new treatment technique is just one example of how patients in the Mid North Coast area are benefiting from constant advances in cancer treatment technology.
“MNCCI will be the first regional facility of its kind in NSW to use this technology,” Dr Hansen said.
“By ensuring the radiation dose is delivered to the required treatment area we will see reduced side effects for the patient.
“Continuing to embrace new technology such as this ensures we are able to provide the best treatments for our patients,” Dr Hansen said.
DIBH can be used in specific cases, such as for patients with left sided breast cancer. The patients’ medical team will determine if DIBH is suitable for each patient
