And a new oncologist will start work in November to ease the load on Ballarat's only full-time public oncologist, Dr Kate Hamilton.

BHS chief executive officer Andrew Rowe yesterday said the health service was "very aware of the significant increases in demand" on the oncology unit and its staff.

Mr Rowe said the appointment of a new oncologist had just been made, while there was provision in the BHS masterplan to increase the oncology unit's size.

Dr Hamilton said there was also a need for an extra radiation unit, or "bunker", at the Ballarat Austin Radiation Oncology Centre.

BAROC currently only has one bunker which is seven years into its predicted 10-year life span.

Dr Hamilton has also become an accredited trainer so the unit can be a training site.

"This improves care for the patients as well because they get to be seen by a senior registrar," she said, adding that having a trainee here may help with specialist retention rates.

The unit has also started taking part in research programs, with about eight patients accessing clinical trials at a time.