The opening of a $56 million Taranaki Cancer Centre in New Plymouth is being described as life changing for people living with the disease in the region, and for the professionals who care for them. About 300 patients a year have had to make the three-hour trek to Palmerston North for radiation treatment - lasting sometimes just minutes - but now 80 percent of radiation treatment will be done locally. Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin was at the opening.