Donors Fuel Major Cancer Care Expansion at BC Cancer – Abbotsford

BC Cancer – Abbotsford has opened two new advanced cancer care programs, expanding essential services for patients in the Fraser region. Made possible by nearly $2 million in BC Cancer Foundation donor support, the centre’s high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy suite is expanding treatment options for prostate cancer patients, while a specialized oral oncology clinic is enhancing care — bringing life-changing services closer to home.

“These new programs represent a major leap forward in cancer care for patients in the Fraser Valley,” says Dr. Evgeny Sadikov, BC Cancer – Abbotsford’s executive medical director. “From advanced brachytherapy for prostate cancer to comprehensive oral oncology services, we are expanding access to innovative treatments that improve health and quality of life.”

High-Dose Rate Brachytherapy: A Game-Changer in Targeted Treatment

HDR brachytherapy at BC Cancer – Abbotsford provides targeted internal radiation therapy via catheters directly placed in the patient’s tumour site. This innovative approach is highly effective, while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues.

Previously available only for Gynecological cancer patients, the HDR unit can now treat prostate cancer patients, offering cutting-edge care locally. This program expansion means patients no longer need to travel long distances for this advanced treatment, significantly reducing stress and travel costs. Additionally, patients receiving prostate HDR brachytherapy only require 1-2 treatment visits to the centre, potentially reducing the number of appointments required with other treatment modalities and further improving quality of life.

Oral Oncology and Dentistry Clinic: Restoring Health and Quality of Life

For patients undergoing cancer treatment, oral health complications can be a major permanent challenge to the quality of life for patients. The new clinic will provide comprehensive exams, prosthodontics for dental rehabilitation, on-site Cone Beam CT imaging and direct access to complex surgical care.

This clinic is expected to serve over 3,000 patient visits annually, eliminating the need for local patients to travel long distances to BC Cancer – Surrey for specialized oral health care. The new space has allowed timely cancer care by increasing local resources; patients do not need to wait a long time to obtain needed care, biopsies and necessary surgeries.

Kirk Dobson, who has faced throat cancer, shares the impact of BC Cancer’s dentistry program after radiation therapy broke down his teeth, causing significant weight loss and discomfort: “I owe so much thanks to the dentistry people. It brings tears to my eyes, what an amazing feeling to have this smile again! Life is great, I take time to smell the roses, I enjoy life.”

Transforming Cancer Care Through Philanthropy

These groundbreaking expansions were made possible through $1.9 million in funding from BC Cancer Foundation donors.

“Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our donor community, families in the Fraser region now have greater access to life-changing cancer care, closer to home,” says Kristina Lebed, BC Cancer Foundation’s executive director for the Fraser region. “This investment isn’t just about new equipment – it’s about giving hope and improving quality of life for people facing cancer.”

The Foundation continues to fundraise to support two new state-of-the-art BC Cancer centres in the Fraser region: $30 million for the new BC Cancer centre in Surrey and $10 million for the BC Cancer – Burnaby McCarthy Centre.