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Many breast cancer patients would not expect to get a tattoo as part of their treatment process.
However, small permanent markers from radiation therapy treatment can be an ongoing, and unwelcome, reminder of their cancer journey.
But patients on Queensland's Sunshine Coast can now have treatment at Icon Cancer Centre Maroochydore without the need for tattoos – traditionally used to help radiation therapists to position the body correctly and target the right location.
The centre is using Varian's state-of-the-art IDENTIFY Surface Guidance System, which uses advanced optical surface tracking and real-time motion management to continuously monitor a patient's position during treatment.
It also simultaneously tracks the patient's natural breathing movements.
Buderim resident Tracey Phillips was treated with the technology at Icon Cancer Centre Maroochydore after being diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2025.
"I wasn't particularly worried about having to be tattooed but it was nice to find out it wasn't necessary at Icon Maroochydore," she said.
"One less procedure is always good. It was also great to know that I was getting access to one of the more modern (radiation therapy) machines available."
Tracey's care was supervised by Dr Marcel Knesl, Icon Group's Director of Radiation Oncology.
(L-R) Dr Marcel Knesl with patient Tracey Phillips and senior radiation therapist Dominique Bonnett
"Throughout this journey I have received wonderful support and care from all the staff looking after me and my family," she said.
"Dr Knesl and the whole team at Icon Maroochydore are an absolute credit to the profession and it is very clear to me that the patient's needs are always a priority for them.
"They are a wonderful bunch of people."
Dr Knesl said the centre was focused on providing local patients like Tracey with access to the latest treatments, closer to home.
"The omission of tattoos is one less thing for our breast cancer patients to worry about during their treatment," he said.
"For some patients, tattoos can be an unwelcome daily reminder of their cancer. This technology also increases accuracy and reduces patient treatment times.
"We are proud to offer such state-of-the-art technology at Icon Cancer Centre Maroochydore.
"By bringing advancements in cancer care technology to the region, we are best positioned to support our patients live well through their cancer treatment and beyond."
Tracey had discovered the lump on her chest by chance, while brushing off a moth, only three weeks after being cleared by a breast screen check.
"I went to my GP as it really didn't feel right. The diagnosis wasn't really a surprise as I had strong suspicions," she said.
"It was still very worrying, and I wasn't sure I understood then what stage or type it was, or what it really meant for my health.
"Once I had a diagnosis, I immediately contacted the surgeons referred by the GP.
"I was very lucky to get a response that same day and an appointment the next. The proposed treatment was surgery followed by radiation therapy and hormone treatment."
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