File Photo (Image Credit: The Canadian Press)

By Amy Judd and Richard Zussman / Global B.C.

Cancer Care

B.C. cancer patients could be sent to U.S. for radiation treatments

May 15, 2023 | 3:07 PM

VANCOUVER — The wait time for radiation treatments in B.C. is too long, Health Minister Adrian Dix said Monday.

Starting May 29, Dix said BC Cancer will be offering eligible patients the chance to receive radiation treatments in Bellingham, Wash.

Up to 50 patients per week could benefit from this program, he added, which will take place either at the North Cascade Cancer Center or at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center. Over the next two years, that could add up to 10,000 patients, he said.

The lack of radiation technologists and therapists in B.C. has exacerbated wait times, along with delays due to equipment upgrades, the minister said.

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“But for British Columbians dealing with a cancer diagnosis, right now, in May of 2023, that’s not fast enough,” Dix said. “For them, for those they love. It’s not acceptable.”

“This commitment to supporting radiation treatment will initially focus on a specific group of patients – breast cancer and prostate cancer patients – are the largest patient populations receiving radiation therapy,” Dix added.