Patients with cancer living in regional and rural Victoria experience several disadvantages, including a lower survival rate and barriers to clinical trials, compared to patients living in metropolitan Melbourne.
The VCCC Alliance introduced Regional Oncology Leads to represent Victoria’s regional cancer community to expand trials, foster education opportunities, and improve partnerships and networks, including collaborating with the Regional Trials Network in Victoria.
Associate Professor Collins was appointed VCCC Alliance Regional Oncology Lead in 2017 and is one of two regional appointments with Associate Professor Craig Underhill. He also provides a voice for regional Victoria on the Cancer Education and Training Advisory Committee.
Associate Professor Ian Collins is a medical oncologist practicing in Warrnambool and Portland, in Western Victoria. He trained in medical oncology in Ireland before completing an Australian Fellowship at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. He has a general oncology practice with a special interest in breast cancer and breast cancer genetics. He is also the principal investigator for several clinical trials in Warrnambool.
