St George’s Cancer Care Centre

05/12/2025

The MR-Linac takes precision targeting to a new level by using live MRI imaging during radiation treatment.

This technology allows our team to see exactly where the tumour is in real time and adapt as the body moves naturally. This continuous guidance means radiation stays focused on the tumour, even as it shifts slightly with breathing or digestion.

The benefit? Healthy tissue around the treatment area is protected, side effects are reduced, and patients receive a more accurate, effective course of therapy.

04/12/2025

Prostate Cancer Diagnosis: What Happens Next?

If your GP notices something unusual in your PSA blood test or examination, the next step is to take a closer look.

You may be referred to a specialist (urologist or oncologist) for further testing, which can include an MRI scan of the prostate and, if needed, a biopsy to confirm whether cancer cells are present.

While the idea of further tests can feel daunting, these steps are designed to provide clarity and guide the best possible care plan. Many men referred for follow-up testing don’t end up having prostate cancer - but if it is detected, catching it early gives you far more treatment options and a better outlook.

03/12/2025

Some cancers require an extra level of accuracy - especially those near sensitive areas like the bowel, liver, or spine.

In these cases, the MR-Linac’s ability to adapt treatment in real time can make all the difference.

Your oncologist will discuss if it’s the best approach for your situation and how it compares to conventional radiation therapy.

01/12/2025

Testicular cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer when found early, but awareness is key.

Make self-checks a regular habit. Once a month, take a moment in the shower to feel for any lumps, swelling, or changes. If something doesn’t feel right, see your GP as soon as possible.

It’s a small action that can make a big difference to your long-term health.

30/11/2025

What makes the MR-Linac unique is its ability to “see” the tumour as treatment happens.

Using live MRI imaging, it tracks even the smallest movement inside the body, such as breathing or digestion, and adapts instantly.

This means radiation is always aimed exactly where it’s needed, protecting healthy tissue and improving treatment accuracy.

28/11/2025

Radiation treatment can be an anxious time, but small improvements in technology make a huge difference.

Our new C-RAD Surface Guided Radiation Therapy system allows treatment without the need for permanent tattoos or invasive markers, making the experience safer and more comfortable for patients.

It’s another step in providing cancer care that is both effective and patient-centred, right here in Christchurch.

27/11/2025

A typical MR-Linac session is calm and straightforward. You’ll lie comfortably on the treatment table while the system delivers targeted radiation, guided by live MRI imaging.

There’s plenty of airflow through the machine, and our team will stay in contact with you the entire time.

Our patients return home the same day and can carry on with normal routines soon after.

26/11/2025

When you receive treatment at St George’s Cancer Centre, your care doesn’t happen in isolation.

We work closely with your GP, specialists, and support providers to make sure every part of your treatment is connected and coordinated.

It’s this teamwork, between professionals and with patients, that helps achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients.

24/11/2025

One of the most common cancer types treated using our MR-Linac is prostate cancer.

Its ability to adapt to the body’s natural movement, such as breathing or bladder changes, means the radiation stays focused exactly where it needs to be. This precision allows for stronger, safer treatment while protecting surrounding healthy tissue.

For men, it means fewer side effects and a smoother experience throughout their course of care.

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

23/11/2025

Bowel cancer is one of New Zealand’s most common and preventable cancers, yet many men delay seeking help.

Look out for signs such as blood in your stool, ongoing changes in bowel habits, bloating, or fatigue.

Men aged 60–74 are invited to take part in the free national bowel screening programme, but anyone with symptoms should speak to their GP. A timely conversation could save your life.

20/11/2025

For many people, radiation therapy once meant long days, lengthy recovery, and uncertainty about what to expect.

The MR-Linac is helping to change that experience. Treatment sessions are shorter, recovery time is often faster, and patients can return to the things that matter most in their daily lives.

It’s technology designed not just to treat cancer effectively, but to make the path through treatment gentler, calmer, and more manageable for every person who walks through our doors.

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

19/11/2025

Prostate cancer affects one in eight Kiwi men during their lifetime, but when detected early, the outlook is excellent.

Men over 50, or over 40 with a family history, should talk to their GP about a simple PSA blood test. Don’t wait for symptoms - prostate cancer often develops silently.

Early testing gives you the best chance of successful treatment and peace of mind for the future.