Alberta Increases Access To Cancer Radiation Therapy

Cancer Radiation Therapy

As part of the Alberta government's commitment to improve access to clinical treatment for all Albertans, the Chinook, David Thompson and Peace Country health regions, along with the Alberta Cancer Board, are developing plans to offer cancer radiation therapy.

"These new treatment centres will improve access for rural Albertans by offering radiation therapy at more locations closer to home," said Dave Hancock, Minister of Alberta Health and Wellness. "And, it will enable residents of Edmonton and Calgary to receive more timely care by alleviating demand at urban facilities. This improved capacity is a significant step forward in improving care for cancer patients. It's another way in which our government is ensuring Albertans receive the best possible health care " where and when they need it."

The Alberta Cancer Board's Associate Cancer Centre at the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge will develop radiation therapy capacity first and is expected to be operating by 2010. The Chinook centre will be followed by the concurrent development of the Red Deer and Grande Prairie associate cancer centres. Radiation therapy services at these sites will be provided by qualified, licensed practitioners and will be consistent with the services offered in Edmonton and Calgary.

"Our goal is to provide as much cancer treatment as close to home as possible," said Dr. Jean-Michel Turc, President and CEO, Alberta Cancer Board. "This will help us increase capacity for radiation therapy across the province and allow us to support people from British Columbia ( B.C.) and the territories who often seek diagnosis and treatment in Alberta."

Radiation therapy is used to destroy or shrink cancer tumour cells, and is the principal treatment used for skin cancer, cancers of the mouth, brain tumors, lung, breast, prostate and many gynecological cancers. Radiation therapy may be used with other treatments for breast, bowel, testicular and bladder cancers as well as Hodgkin's disease, leukemia and lymphomas.

In 2007, Alberta signed a memorandum of understanding with the federal government to implement a guaranteed wait time of eight weeks for cancer radiation therapy. This target will be achieved by 2010. Alberta also signed a memorandum of understanding with B.C., which agrees to a collaborative approach to providing radiation therapy. These new sites will enable the province to meet both commitments.