Chris O’Brien Lifehouse receive $3M cancer finding machine

Until now, the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Hospital have not had access to their own MRI machine. The world-class not-for-profit cancer treatment centre in Camperdown have relied on the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital to provide imaging services.

Senator Arthur Sinodinos with patient Laura Opie at the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse. Senator Arthur Sinodinos announced the grant of an MRI licence. Picture: John Appleyard

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Until now, the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Hospital has not had access to its own MRI machine.

The world-class not-for-profit cancer treatment centre in Camperdown has relied on the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital to provide imaging services. However, demand for MRI services often outweighs supply.

On Monday, NSW Liberal Senator Arthur Sinodinos announced the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse would receive funds for an MRI licence.

The news resonates personally with Senator Sinodinos, who recently returned to parliament after treatment for non-Hodgkin Lymphona.

The MRI machine, which costs around two to three million dollars is used to find cancer in the body.

Senator Arthur Sinodinos with Laura Opie who is currently receiving treatment for a rare ewing sarcoma. Picture: John Appleyard

Chris O’Brien Lifehouse CEO Eileen Hannagan said access to the machine would have a huge impact on the timely, effective diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients.

She said it means earlier detection, prompt diagnosis and a better chance at saving lives.

“Because the machines can accurately distinguish between cancerous cells and normal healthy tissue, doctors can precisely pinpoint the location and size of a tumour, as well as if it has spread to other parts of the body,” Ms Hannagan said.

She said it is also important for planning radiation therapy, ensuring that the dose of radiation is targeted at the tumour and the surrounding healthy tissue is spared.

“A dedicated machine onsite will provide 24-hour access without delay as well as emergency access which can be critical for cancer patients.

“MRI licences are strictly governed by the Commonwealth Government and we are thrilled to be the recipients in the first round of new licences to be issued.”

Senator Arthur Sinodinos with patient Laura Opie at the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse. Picture: John Appleyard

Of those benefiting from the new MRI machine is Laura Opie, 23, from Chiswick, who was diagnosed with a very rare ewing sarcoma in December, a week before her birthday.

Doctors found a 13cm mass in the muscle in her leg.

Miss Opie said the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse has become her second home, and she is receiving chemotherapy three days a week every three weeks.

“There’s days that I wake up and im like, I’m bald, I’ve got cancer, I’m 23, why me,” she said.

“I’ve just got to keep on going. If I start breaking, people around me start breaking.”

Miss Opie, who is currently undergoing her second cycle of chemotherapy, has already had three MRI’s at RPA.

“There’s not one cancer patient who hasn’t had an MRI,” she said.

Miss Opie said the new MRI machine at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse would be amazing for patients who will be able to stay in the building rather than be moved around.

“When you have chemotherapy your immunity is terrible, so taking patients outside to a different hospital to a different place is a risk,” she said.

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Doctors have told Miss Opie she will “hopefully be cancer free by the end of the year.”

She will then require further MRI’s to monitor what’s going on.

“You know your body, you know when something is wrong,” Miss Opie said.

“Don’t take no for an answer if you feel something is wrong. That’s the only thing I can take from this.”

Gail O’Brien said her late husband, Professor Chris O’Brien’s vision was of a comprehensive cancer centre where patients could access all services under one roof.

“The grant of an MRI licence from the Commonwealth Government enables us to fully realise his vision and continue to deliver care that is centred around the patient,” she said.