Bringing Breakthrough Cancer Care to Surrey

For Dr. Jack Zheng, the most exciting part of the new, second BC Cancer centre in Surrey is simple: more patients will soon receive world-class cancer care right in their own community. Supported by BC Cancer Foundation donors, the centre will introduce new technologies expand access to innovative and life-saving treatments. 

As a radiation oncologist, Dr. Zheng knows these advanced technologies, combined with compassionate care, will have a significant impact on families in the Fraser region. 

Among the innovations coming to Surrey is a state-of-the-art brachytherapy suite, delivering high-precision radiation treatment for some of the most common and aggressive cancers.  

Why Precision Care Matters 

Brachytherapy can uniquely deliver extremely high doses of radiation directly to the tumour, while minimizing exposure to healthy nearby tissues — a critical need in anatomically complex areas like the prostate and cervix. This means better outcomes with fewer side effects and quicker recovery. 

“Accuracy is everything in brachytherapy,” Dr. Zheng explains. “The more precisely we can place radiation, the better the outcomes.” 

The new Surrey centre will also be the first facility in B.C. designed for MRI‑guided brachytherapy, the most advanced method of image guidance for brachytherapy treatment available.  

 With an MRI located in the suite – rather than only available in the hospital’s diagnostic imaging departments – teams will have access to MRI guidance much more readily, allowing for more efficient and accurate adjustments and planning during brachytherapy 

“It streamlines the whole experience and will allow us to treat more patients,” says Dr. Zheng. “The treatment itself is more comfortable for patients, more accurate and ultimately more effective.” 

Innovation that Expands Access 

At BC Cancer – Abbotsford, Dr. Zheng has already seen how innovation opens doors. Thanks to BC Cancer Foundation donors, an advanced form of prostate brachytherapy was introduced, making treatment possible for people who cannot tolerate traditional approaches — including those with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or specific anatomy. 

“These advances give us more tools to help more people,” he says. “Bringing that level of flexibility to Surrey will make a profound difference for patients.” 

Meeting the Needs of a Growing Region 

The Fraser region is the fastest‑growing area in B.C., with more than 11,000 new cancer diagnoses each year. For patients in Surrey, White Rock and nearby communities, travelling to Abbotsford, Vancouver or even Victoria or Kelowna to access this specialized care creates physical, emotional and financial strain. 

“Being able to stay close to home makes such a difference,” says Dr. Zheng. “It keeps people near their support system — and that matters.” 

To bring this vision to life, the BC Cancer Foundation is leading a $30‑million fundraising campaign to equip the new BC Cancer centre in Surrey with leading‑edge technology and advance life-saving research.