RBC Foundation Donates $1 Million to New BC Cancer Centre in Surrey

The BC Cancer Foundation is proud to announce a $1 million gift from RBC Foundation to support the new BC Cancer centre under development in Surrey, a groundbreaking facility that will transform cancer research and care across British Columbia. 

This investment will help equip the new BC Cancer centre in Surrey with advanced technology — including PET/CT scanners, LINACs and MRI systems — and support specialized programs in brachytherapy and theranostics. RBC’s donation will also help BC Cancer upskill over 400 staff, including over 100 nurses and 70 oncologists, who will deliver a projected 50,000 radiation therapy visits and 22,000 chemotherapy visits each year. 

 A portion of the gift will support the BC Cancer Foundation’s Patient Relief Fund, which helps patients across the province overcome financial and logistical barriers to accessing cancer care. 

“RBC’s support is an investment in the B.C. talent that will define the future of cancer care for generations,” says Sarah Roth, President & CEO, BC Cancer Foundation.  

“We are proud to support the BC Cancer Foundation and the incredible work being done to advance cancer care in our communities,” says Martin Thibodeau, Regional President, B.C., RBC Royal Bank. “By investing in the people behind the care — the nurses, oncologists and researchers — we are helping build a stronger, more innovative health care system for the future.” 

Training for Tomorrow’s Cancer Care 

As one of the largest BC Cancer centres, the second centre in Surrey will be home to British Columbia’s first purpose-built facilities for brachytherapy and theranostics, two specialized fields that are revolutionizing cancer treatment. 

• Brachytherapy Hub: Radiation oncologists and nurses will receive hands-on training from BC Cancer’s world-renowned experts, learning to deliver highly advanced internal radiation therapy. Surrey will become a provincial hub for brachytherapy, with mentorship opportunities and a model for future expansion across the province. 
• Theranostics Research: A new cyclotron will drive theranostics research, combining diagnostics and therapeutics to target cancer cells with high precision. Local staff will be trained in administering and managing these treatments, positioning Surrey as a leader in molecular imaging and therapy. 

Upskilling Through Innovation 

The centre will serve as a learning and training hub for oncology specialties, offering: 

• Technology Training: Staff will be trained on emerging tools like the MRI-LINAC, which integrates real-time imaging with radiation therapy for greater precision. BC Cancer will also host international experts to train teams on AI-powered systems and specialized treatments. 

• Clinical Trials and Research: A dedicated clinical trials unit will create career pathways for students and professionals in health science, computer science and biology, while enabling current staff to train on novel therapies such as immunotherapy. 

• Team-Based Care Model: Purpose-built spaces will foster collaboration among oncologists, nurses, nutritionists and supportive care staff, enhancing holistic care and shared expertise. 

• Nurse Onboarding and Education: Comprehensive training programs will strengthen the nursing workforce, enhance patient outcomes and equip nurses with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven healthcare environment. 

RBC has been a partner of the BC Cancer Foundation for over 30 years, along with their teams of employees across the province. Previously, RBC investments have supported undergraduate and high school internship programs, creating hands on learning opportunities for the next generation of talent.