When Jenny Jackson was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2020, she began a journey familiar to many people living with cancer in regional areas, balancing complex treatment with long-distance travel and time away from home.

For much of her treatment, Jenny travelled to St Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne. While the care she received was excellent, the experience came with added physical and emotional strain.

“Travelling for treatment is tiring, especially when you’re already unwell,” Jenny said.

“It adds another layer of stress at a time when you’re already trying to process a cancer diagnosis.”

More recently, Jenny has been able to receive a mix of her cancer care between Melbourne and GV Health, a shift she says has made a significant difference to her wellbeing.

“My experience with the GV Health cancer team and nurses has been extremely positive,” she said.

“From the beginning, they treated me with kindness, professionalism and genuine compassion.”

Jenny says the nurses’ approach has helped ease the overwhelming nature of cancer treatment.

“They are attentive, knowledgeable and always willing to take the time to explain things and answer questions,” she said.

“That makes a difficult experience much less overwhelming.”

For Jenny, the relationships she has built with the local cancer team have been just as important as the treatment itself.

“I always feel supported, respected and genuinely cared for,” she said.

“The GV Health cancer nurses are the most amazing human beings. They are very special nurses.”

Having access to cancer care closer to home has reduced both the physical toll of travel and the emotional burden of being away from family and friends.

“Being able to receive care locally reduces fatigue and stress,” Jenny said.

“It also means having family and friends nearby, which is incredibly important during treatment.”

She says local care brings peace of mind.

“When you’re close to home, everything feels a bit more manageable,” she said.

“It makes a challenging journey easier to cope with.”

Jenny strongly believes the Shepparton region and the wider Goulburn Valley deserve a fully Integrated Cancer Centre, allowing patients to receive all aspects of their care locally.

“Shepparton and the surrounding communities deserve comprehensive cancer services,” she said.

“Having everything in one place would reduce the physical, emotional and financial burden on patients and families who currently have to travel long distances.”

She says an integrated model would also improve continuity of care.

“Being able to see your care team in one location, without constantly moving between services, would make a huge difference,” Jenny said.

“It would ensure more timely access to treatment and better overall outcomes.”

For Jenny, investing in local cancer services is an investment in people.

“The Goulburn Valley is a supportive community, and having strong local healthcare really matters,” she said.

“Access to care close to home makes a big difference for patients and families, especially in regional areas where travel isn’t always easy.”

As momentum continues to build for a new Integrated Cancer Centre, Jenny hopes her experience highlights what is at stake.

“Cancer is hard enough without the added pressure of distance,” she said.

“Having high-quality, compassionate care close to home is something every person facing cancer deserves, now and into the future.”