Clair Louise Shadbolt MBChB, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

1) To learn about the local availability and funding of MRI in investigating pelvic malignancy that is unique to Australia. 2) To understand the current usage of Pelvic MRI in investigating pelvic malignancy in the Australian population. 3) To review some typical examples of Pelvic MRI in Oncology that illustrate the advantages of MRI in the assessment of pelvic malignancies and impact MRI has on patient management in the multidisciplinary setting.

According to the Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists' (RANZCR) website "MRI is only effective when it is likely to improve the health outcome for the patient ... although able to offer detailed images, MRI scanning is not always the most appropriate imaging". The Australian Government Department of Heath and Aging announced a press release in November 2012 of a $104.4 million Diagnostic Imaging Review Reform Package to increase access to MRI and increase cancer services: "This package means many more Australians will benefit from faster diagnosis and earlier detection of disease... From November 2012 Medicare will cover the cost of more MRI scans than ever before. Under the changes patients using MRI machines in regional Australia will have greater access..." How is MRI utilised in pelvic oncology in Australia? I will be discussing the current funding and availability of MRI in pelvic oncology in Australia. The unique geography and remoteness of some sectors of the population of Australia influences the usage of MRI. I will illustrate the important role of MRI in the management of pelvic malignancy with some classic examples.

Shadbolt, C, MRI of Pelvic Malignancy—The View from Down Under.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14000591.html