Liz Plummer Cancer Care Centre in Cairns marks 10 years

The late Liz Plummer fought ferociously for the right for cancer patients to receive treatment in Cairns and although she died before the centre that bears her name opened, more than 13,000 patients have benefited from her tenacity.

EMOTIONS ran high as the Liz Plummer Cancer Care Centre marked 10 years at Cairns Hospital on Friday with long-time friends reuniting and sharing their battles.

The centre has had 13,500 patients through its doors and offers medical oncology, haematology and palliative care, alongside radiation oncology delivered in partnership with Icon Cancer Centre.

Guests heard the story of determined cancer sufferer Liz Plummer, who was diagnosed in 2004 and began campaigning and advocating for Far North residents to have local cancer treatment and support options.

Founding director of COUCH Pip Woodward hugs breast cancer survivors Bridget Little and Debbie Arnold in the Liz Plummer day treatment clinic. Mrs Arnold was diagnosed with a primary brain tumour in January. Picture: Brendan Radke

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Couch chairman Ron Holden said Ms Plummer helped get $8.3m funding in 2007 but died before the first sod was turned on the centre that opened in 2011.

“Her motivation, dedication and tenacity is legendary in this city,” he said.

Friends Deb Arnold and Bridget Little were among those to catch up – both have been battling breast cancer for years and Ms Arnold now has a primary brain tumour.

Ms Arnold, whose mother died of breast cancer in 1976, underwent a double mastectomy but the cancer returned in 2019.

“In January I collapsed, they thought I was having a stroke, and found a brain tumour and said I have 12-14 months to live,” she said.

The illness meant relocating from Normanton to Cairns for ongoing treatment and she is still undergoing chemotherapy.

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“But I am staying positive and I’ll keep fighting, I am not going anywhere, I am living until I am after 70, I have five children and 12 grandchildren.

“This place is amazing, they are all so supportive,” Ms Arnold said.

Bridget Little has had treatment since 2010.

“I was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer 11 years ago, it has been an extremely long road with many ups and downs - some days I don’t want to fight, and other days I want to kick cancer’s ass,” Mrs Little said.

“Whether you are at the start of your journey or not, be stubborn, fight, and live the best life you can, never give up and always have hope.

“I’m not done fighting yet. There’s a lot of people worse off than me, this place is wonderful, the people here are beautiful,” she said.

Cairns Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS) clinical director of cancer care Dr Lisa Capelle said the centre enabled patients to be treated close to their family and friends, rather than having to travel far from home.

Brock Ditton of Icon Cancer Centre, said before the centre was established, patients had to travel to Townsville or Brisbane for radiation therapy.

“This caused emotional, physical and financial stress, and in some circumstances, an inability to receive treatment altogether,” Mr Ditton said.

Originally published as Liz Plummer Cancer Care Centre in Cairns marks 10 years