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Understanding Breast Cancer and Radiotherapy In this episode of Talkin’ Toowoomba, Shane chats with Dr Ed Sia, radiation oncologist at Icon Cancer Centre Toowoomba, about breast cancer and the role of radiotherapy in treatment. Dr Ed explains how radiotherapy works, what patients can expect during treatment, potential side effects, and the latest advances helping make treatment shorter and more precise. They also discuss follow up care, managing lymphoedema, breast cancer in men, and the local support services available to patients and their families. An informative conversation highlighting the importance of early detection, asking questions and getting reliable advice from your healthcare team. Brought to you by Icon Cancer Centre Toowoomba, in partnership with Hope Horizons. Chapters (00:00:03) - Introduction and Sponsor Message(00:01:24) - Meet Dr. Ed Seeger(00:01:41) - What is Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer(00:02:58) - Treatment Sequencing and Timing(00:04:06) - Common Side Effects and Skin Reactions(00:05:45) - Preventing Side Effects Before Treatment(00:06:31) - What to Expect: Consultation to Treatment Start(00:07:49) - Daily Treatment Experience(00:08:44) - Treatment Schedules and Shorter Regimens(00:10:17) - Follow-Up Care After Treatment(00:11:13) - Late Side Effects and Risks(00:13:10) - Lymphedema Risk and Management(00:14:39) - Radiotherapy for Cancer Recurrence(00:15:57) - Local Support Services in Toowoomba(00:17:40) - Breast Cancer in Men(00:18:48) - Patient Questions, Research, and Final Advice(00:21:25) - Closing and Sponsor Thanks

In this episode of Talkin’ Toowoomba, Shane chats with radiation oncologist Dr Santosh Kumar from Icon Cancer Centre Toowoomba about skin cancer and head and neck cancers. They discuss the different types of skin cancer, warning signs to look out for, regular skin checks, sun protection and when symptoms may need further investigation. Dr Kumar also explains head and neck cancers, the role of lymph nodes, common risk factors and the radiation treatments available in Toowoomba. It’s an informative conversation with practical information to help you better understand skin cancer, head and neck cancer and the importance of early investigation. Chapters (00:00:03) - Talkin Toowoomba(00:01:24) - Skin Cancer(00:03:27) - Skin Cancer, Common and Risk(00:05:25) - Sunscreen Cancer(00:06:19) - skin cancer(00:09:46) - Head and Neck Cancer(00:13:04) - Head and neck cancers, symptoms(00:15:58) - Head and Neck Cancer, risk factors, treatment(00:18:48) - Head and Neck Cancer on the Cancer Journey(00:20:35) - Talking to Cancer patients

Prostate cancer affects 1 in 5 Australian men, yet many men still avoid talking about it. In this powerful episode of the Talking Toowoomba podcast, I speak openly with Dr. Viv Tse from the Icon Cancer Centre Toowoomba about prostate cancer, PSA testing, treatment options, recovery, and the emotional side of the journey. We cover: • Symptoms and early detection • Why regular PSA testing matters • Surgery vs radiation treatment • Hormone therapy explained • Sexual health and recovery • Support services available right here in Toowoomba I also share my own experience with surgery and ongoing treatment. If this conversation helps even one bloke book a GP appointment, it’s worth having. Link for ICON Cancer Centre https://www.facebook.com/iconcancercentre Helpful links: - About prostate cancer: https://iconcancercentre.com.au/conditions/prostate-cancer/ Treatments for prostate cancer: https://iconcancercentre.com.au/conditions/prostate-cancer/treatment/ Chapters (00:00:09) - Talking Toowoomba(00:01:54) - Prostate Cancer(00:04:09) - Prostate Cancer risk in men(00:06:05) - Screening for prostate cancer(00:08:45) - Prostate cancer: How to find it early enough to treat it(00:14:05) - Choosing the right treatment for prostate cancer(00:17:29) - How common is it for someone who's had the prostatectomy(00:19:02) - Radiation Side Effects 6 weeks after my treatment(00:24:18) - Married men with prostate cancer(00:27:52) - Prostate Cancer, surgery and hormone therapy(00:31:31) - Prostate Cancer: Side effects, emotional aspects

A truly powerful and heartfelt episode on Talkin Toowoomba. Lorraine shares her remarkable journey — from growing up in regional Toowoomba to becoming a dedicated volunteer at Hope Horizons. What star ted as receiving support during her own cancer experience has turned into giving back to others walking a similar path. Every Wednesday, Lorraine volunteers at Hope on the Hangar in Highfields, helping run a high-end thrift shop that funds vital allied health services for people on their wellness journey. But for her, it’s about far more than just raising money, it’s about connection, community, and lifting people up when they need it most. Lorraine opens up about profound personal loss, losing her son, her mother, her husband, and facing her own cancer diagnosis. Through it all, her outlook remains grounded in resilience, positivity, and a simple but powerful mindset: focus on today, because it’s a gift. Her story is a reminder of the impact of community support, the strength of the human spirit, and how giving back can help heal not only others, but yourself as well. If you’ve ever considered volunteering, Lorraine’s message is simple: just give it a go. You’ll get just as much out of it as you give. This is one of those conversations that stays with you. Listen now and be inspired. #TalkinToowoomba #HopeHorizons #Community #Volunteering #CancerSupport #RealStories #Toowoomba Chapters (00:00:15) - Talkin Toowoomba(00:01:26) - Meet Lorraine(00:05:14) - One woman's story of cancer(00:09:32) - One volunteer's story of prostate cancer(00:18:11) - "This is My Day..."(00:19:21) - A message about volunteering at Hope Horizons

On this episode of The Talkin’ Toowoomba Podcast, Shane sits down with Lynda to share a powerful and deeply personal cancer journey. After self-diagnosing for four years and pushing through the warning signs, Lynda was eventually told she had an 8.5cm tumour. What followed was major surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and the removal of her pelvis, a life-altering operation that changed her forever. But this isn’t a story about fear. It’s a story about faith. About attitude. About asking questions. And about the power of support. From learning to walk again, to managing pain, to embracing services at Hope Horizons Cancer Wellness Centre, Lynda shares how community care, meditation, acupuncture, natural therapies and a fierce determination helped her rebuild her life. She speaks honestly about the physical and emotional toll, the importance of advocating for yourself, and why staying positive isn’t naïve, it’s powerful. If you or someone you love is navigating cancer, this conversation is real, raw and incredibly inspiring. Listen now and be reminded: you are not alone, and there is support available. Chapters (00:00:15) - Talking Toowoomba(00:01:22) - Talking To Him With Cancer(00:05:08) - What did you do after being told you have cancer?(00:07:32) - The surgery for bowel cancer(00:09:26) - How has the cancer surgery changed your life?(00:14:44) - A single doctor's help after an operation(00:16:39) - Hope Horizon for cancer patients(00:20:58) - A Week in the Life with acupuncture(00:24:54) - Cancer treatment and allied health services(00:32:52) - One woman's battle with cancer on Talking Toowoomba

Welcome to another episode of Talkin' Toowoomba. This week the tables are turned as Rachael Carter from Hope Horizons Wellness Centre steps into the host’s chair and puts Shane in the hot seat. In a raw and honest conversation, Shane shares his personal prostate cancer journey — from diagnosis and surgery to facing radiation treatment — and opens up about the mental battle that comes with it. He speaks candidly about the power of community, the importance of not going it alone, and the life-changing support available right here in Toowoomba. We also unpack the real impact of Hope Horizons’ allied health services, why local business support matters, and how the community can get involved — including the 10-year celebrations and the Sapphire Soirée. It’s real, it’s heartfelt, and it’s a reminder that even when you get knocked down, you can get back up — especially with the right people beside you. Listen now. Share it. And if you’re able, support a cause that’s making a genuine difference in our region.

Welcome to Talkin’ Toowoomba, the podcast, sharing real stories that matter. We are proud to partner with Hope Horizons shining a light on the journeys of locals impacted by cancer and the incredible people who walk beside them every step of the way. Today's episode is brought to you by Men's Health Physiotherapy Toowoomba, helping men across our region take charge of their health and wellbeing, whether it's recovery after prostate surgery, pelvic floor rehabilitation, or building strength and confidence again.  Their experience team is there to support you every step of the way. A quick note before we dive in. The content of Talkin’ Toowoomba podcast is provided for general information and community interest only. It shouldn't be taken as professional, medical, financial, or legal advice and must not be relied upon.  As such, please seek independent, qualified advice relevant to your own circumstances. Before making any decisions. Now let's get into today's conversation. Good day and welcome to another episode of Talkin’ Toowoomba Podcast. Can you believe it's already 2026? Another year has rolled around, and with it comes a chance to hit reset, look forward, and really focus on the stories that matter.  The ones that connect us as a community. This episode is one of those stories. Today we're going to spend some time reflecting on something that touches so many lives, cancer, care, and support here in Toowoomba. Now, I know cancer is a heavy topic. It is something that affects a huge number of people in some way, whether personally through a loved one or even just in your wider community.  But it's also a story of hope. It's a story of resilience, and most importantly, it's a story of community. Of people coming together to make a difference when it really counts. When I think about cancer care in Toowoomba, the first thing that comes to mind is the incredible work happening at the Icon Cancer Center.  They play a critical role in supporting people through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, providing care that is both clinically advanced and deeply human. As we move through 2026, this podcast will be taking a closer look at the work being done at the Icon Cancer Center with future episodes, focusing specifically on prostate cancer, breast cancer, and skin cancer.  These are some of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in our community, and taking the time to understand how they're treated, managed, and supported locally is an important part of these conversations. It's not just about the treatment themselves, it's about the pathways, the support, the experience people have while navigating care here in Toowoomba.  Of course, treatment is only one part of the journey. There's another side, the emotional, mental, and practical support people need just to keep going, and that's where Hope Horizon comes in. Hope Horizons is our local cancer wellness center, and it's more than just a building. It's a community. It's a safe place.  It's somewhere people can breathe, feel, understood, and regain a sense of control. They support people across all cancer types and that holistic support comes even more important as we explore prostate breast and skin cancer in future episodes.  I often think about the small everyday victories that come out of places like Hope Horizons, a weekly group session that creates connection, a counselling session that brings clarity, a simple conversation that reminds someone they matter. These moments seem small but repeated day after day. They change lives.  Cancer isn't just a medical condition; it's a life experience. Some people are diagnosed suddenly; others face a long ongoing journey. Some lean on family and friends. Others find strength and community support. But across all these experiences. The constant is the need for support, understanding, and hope.  Today's episode of Talking Toowoomba is brought to you by Men's He... Chapters (00:00:17) - Talking Toowoomba(00:01:29) - A story of cancer care in Toowoomba(00:05:52) - Talking Toowoomba(00:09:35) - Talking To Woomba

In this episode, we sit down with Charlotte, one of the dedicated volunteers at the Hope Horizons Cancer Wellness Centre in Toowoomba. Charlotte shares her journey into volunteering, what a typical day looks like on the front desk, and why connection, care and simple human conversation matter so much to people navigating cancer. We talk about the unique role Hope Horizons plays alongside medical treatment, the culture of support across volunteers and practitioners, and the moments that quietly remind you why community-based care is so powerful. Charlotte also shares how locals can support the centre through volunteering, attending events or donating, and why Hope Horizons continues to grow as a place of hope, care and friendship. TO DONATE CLICK ON THE LINK    https://talkin-toowoomba.castos.com/donate TO CONTACT US [email protected]

In this episode of Talkin’ Toowoomba, I sit down with Corey Pendlebury from Men’s Health Physiotherapy Toowoomba to explore the often-overlooked challenges men face during and after prostate cancer treatment. Corey breaks down the vital role physiotherapy plays before and after surgery or radiation, helping men manage bladder control, pelvic floor function, sexual recovery, and overall wellbeing. We also discuss why early preparation matters, how telehealth is helping regional blokes access specialised care, and the importance of a strong support network, from urologists and specialist nurses through to allied health professionals. Corey offers practical, evidence-based guidance on pelvic floor exercises, recovery timelines, and the emotional and social impacts that come with prostate cancer. This episode shines a light on holistic care, informed decision-making, and the importance of having real conversations about men’s health. Brought to you by Men’s Health Physiotherapy Toowoomba, proudly supporting men across our region with expert pelvic health and post-treatment rehabilitation. Remenber 70% of all podcast donations go directly to Hope Horizons to support local families living with cancer. You’ll find the donation link below. TO DONATE CLICK ON THE LINK    https://talkin-toowoomba.castos.com/donate VISIT WEBSITE CLICK ON https://talkin-toowoomba.castos.com/ Chapters (00:00:00) - Talkin' Toowoomba(00:01:26) - Physio in Toowoomba(00:03:28) - Prostate Cancer Physiotherapy(00:06:36) - Prostate cancer sexual function recovery after surgery(00:08:18) - Prostate Cancer, pelvic floor exercises(00:13:42) - Q&A: Prostate Cancer Advice(00:15:51) - Prostate Cancer Chat(00:16:39) - Prostate Cancer Physiotherapy

In this episode of Talkin’ Toowoomba, Shane chats with Rachel Garvin, one of the dedicated service providers at Hope Horizons. Rachel is an experienced remedial and oncology massage therapist who also specialises in scar therapy — a powerful, gentle approach that helps people heal physically and emotionally after cancer treatment and surgery. Rachel explains how oncology massage works with the nervous system to calm the body during recovery, and how scar therapy goes beyond the surface to restore movement, reduce pain, and rebuild confidence. She also shares powerful client story that show the real impact of this work — including one that might surprise you. If you or someone you know is living with the effects of surgery or cancer treatment, this conversation is well worth a listen. Learn how Hope Horizons continues to support Toowoomba locals on their recovery journeys, with compassion, care, and community at its heart.

In this short bonus episode, Shane from Talkin’ Toowoomba drops in ahead of his upcoming chat with Rachel Garvin, an oncology massage therapist making a real difference in the lives of locals recovering from cancer and surgery. Shane also shares how you can get involved this Movember, support men’s health, and help Toowoomba families through Hope Horizons — with 70% of all podcast sponsorships and donations going directly to their important work. If you’re a local business wanting to be featured or simply want to back local stories that matter, this episode’s for you. https://au.movember.com/about/foundation Visithttps://talkin-toowoomba.castos.com/   to learn more and get involved. or contact us [email protected] To Donate - https://talkin-toowoomba.castos.com/donate

"In this episode of Talkin’ Toowoomba, we chat with Rachael Carter, General Manager of Hope Horizons Cancer Wellness Centre. With over 20 years as a nurse, Rachael brings skill, compassion, and a deep passion for supporting people on a cancer journey. This episode is part of our Hope Horizons series, spotlighting locals impacted by cancer and the dedicated people who walk beside them. Proudly supported by Better Your Business Consulting — helping Toowoomba businesses grow with clarity and purpose." Chapters (00:00:00) - Talking Toowoomba(00:00:56) - Meet Rachel Carter, General Manager at Hope Horizons(00:02:25) - The nursing background of Hope Horizons's CEO(00:04:06) - Where does Hope Horizons fit into cancer care?(00:07:34) - Services offered to people with cancer(00:10:40) - The difference that scar therapy makes(00:13:50) - What's the toughest challenge for a regional cancer wellness center?(00:16:00) - How to Raise Funds for Hope Horizons(00:18:23) - The wellness centre at Hope Horizons(00:21:31) - Talking Toowoomba

In this episode of Talkin’ Toowoomba, we sit down with Rosie Bambrick—ambassador for Hope Horizons and a survivor of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Rosie opens up about her diagnosis at just 31, the reality of treatment, the shock of remission, and how she rebuilt her life while supporting others on their own cancer journeys. This episode is part of our series with Hope Horizons, shining a light on locals impacted by cancer and the people who walk beside them. Proudly supported by Better Your Business Consulting—helping local businesses grow with clarity and purpose. Don’t miss their upcoming Toowoomba Business Accelerator on 16 September 2025 at Burke & Wills Hotel. Spots are limited, so check out the Better Your Business Facebook page for details. Click this link to get your tickets https://betteryourbusinesscoaching.au/toowoomba-business-accelerator-registration#col-PxpV0aDqQ4 Disclaimer: The content of the Talkin’ Toowoomba podcast is provided for general information and community interest only. It should not be taken as professional, financial, medical, or legal advice, and must not be relied upon as such. Listeners should seek independent, qualified advice relevant to their own circumstances before making any decisions.

Talkin Toowoomba Podcast is Back  Talkin Toowoomba is more than a podcast; it’s a community platform. We’re relaunching with a renewed purpose, in proud partnership with Hope Horizons, to share powerful conversations from locals who’ve walked through cancer and come out the other side with strength, support, and stories worth telling.  Disclaimer: The content of the Talkin’ Toowoomba podcast is provided for general information and community interest only. It should not be taken as professional, financial, medical, or legal advice, and must not be relied upon as such. Listeners should seek independent, qualified advice relevant to their own circumstances before making any decisions. Chapters (00:00:05) - Welcome Back To Toowoomba...

Well hello Toowoomba, welcome to Episode 59 of the Talkin Toowoomba podcast, We are proudly brought to you by our good friends at Recognition Plus, put your name, where it counts!. From promo gear and trophies, to name badges, they will help you be seen. Hope you are enjoying the many events of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers happening all this month. The Ergon Energy Night Garden is on every day 6 pm till 8.30 and it's free Now let's catch up with what's on this week. Monday 13.09.2021 Story Time @ Crows Nest Library 9:15am - 09:45pm Out and About with First 5 Forever Peacehaven Park, Highfields, 11:00 am - 11:30 am Tuesday14.09.2021 Story Time @ Pittsworth Library 9:30 am - 10:00 am Story Time @ Clifton Library and Community Centre 11:30am - 12:00pm Wednesday 15.09.2021 Out and About with First 5 Forever, 9:30 am - 10:00 am Queens Park A breathtaking month of flowers, flavours, and sounds, the Carnival of Flowers takes over Toowoomba in the most beautiful of ways each September. Stay tuned to the podcast for what to do and where, or go to tcof.com.au for more event details. The Night Garden at the Botanic Gardens, Queens Park every day in September 6 pm till 8:30 Thursday16.09.2021 #Carnival of flowers garden tours Departing 9 am and 1 pm from the visitor information centre on James street daily during September Full commentary, air-conditioned bus , a flower extravaganza, Book now to secure your seat at www.toowoombasightseeing.com.au or call Lindsay on 0447 070 635. $30pp for 3 hrs Parking in Kitchener Street, Friday 17.09.2021 Story Time @ City Library Community Meeting Rooms 9:45 am - 10:15 am Story Time @ Highfields Library (Sports Centre) 10:30am - 11:00am Toowoomba Orchid Show at St Paul's Lutheran Church hall, James & Phillips Streets 8:30 am - 03:00 pm daily until Tuesday 21st Festival of the Big Cow at Highfields Pioneer Village Recognising the history of the dairy industry in Australia 9:00 am - 05:00 pm Daily until Sunday 26th There is a Carnival of Flowers Info Hub running 8:30 till 4:30 Fri Sat and Sun thru-out September. at Laurel Bank Park Queens Park and Picnic Point get all your carnival info at these locations. Saturday 18.09.2021 The iconic Grand Central Floral Parade starts at 10 am departs from the corner of Herries & Hume Streets, continues along Herries Street, turns right into Ruthven Street, right into Margaret Street, left onto Hume Street, and finishes on Godsall Street Oval on the corner of Hume & Godsall Streets. There are road closures in place around Toowoomba CBD on Saturday 18 September Chalk Art in the Park at the Botanic gardens Cnr Lindsay & Campbell Sts 9.30 to 12.30 The Toowoomba Farmers markets on from 07 am under the windmill at Cobb n Co museum Sunday 19.09.2021 The