Expanded Chemotherapy Suite Opens at BC Cancer – Surrey

The new suite will increase the centre’s treatment capacity by 20%

BC Cancer and the BC Cancer Foundation are proud to announce the opening of an expanded chemotherapy suite at BC Cancer – Surrey, providing families in the Fraser region with greater access to timely cancer care.

Fully funded by the BC Cancer Foundation, the expansion increases treatment capacity and ensures more patients can begin treatment closer to home at a time of rapidly growing demand in the region. More than 500 donors came together from across Surrey, White Rock and the broader Fraser region to raise $1.4 million to make the expansion possible.

“Generous donor investment has strengthened BC Cancer’s ability to meet growing demand, ensuring more patients can access life-saving care when and where it’s needed,” says Sarah Roth, President & CEO, BC Cancer Foundation.

“With these new treatment chairs, our dedicated care teams will be able to treat more patients, sooner and closer to home, making a real difference for people and families when it matters most,” says Dr. Paris-Ann Ingledew, Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice-President, BC Cancer.

The Fraser region is the fastest growing area in B.C. and accounts for one-third of annual cancer diagnoses in the province, with over 10,000 new cancer cases diagnosed each year. As the second busiest chemotherapy suite in the province, this

Expanding Treatment Capacity

The expansion adds six new treatment chairs, bringing the total to 39, and increases BC Cancer – Surrey’s capacity to deliver chemotherapy and other systemic therapies by nearly 20%.

Systemic therapy includes medicines such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy that travel through the bloodstream to treat cancer throughout the body. This form of treatment is one of the core forms of cancer treatment, alongside radiation therapy and surgery.

Up to 420 additional treatments each month will significantly reduce wait times, helping approximately 370 patients begin treatment sooner every month, easing the stress and uncertainty that can come with delays.

“We are tremendously grateful to the donors who helped make this expansion possible,” says Dr. Sylvie Bourque, Executive Medical Director, BC Cancer – Surrey. “As cancer care needs continue to grow rapidly in our communities, investments like this are essential to ensuring we can provide timely, high.”

BC Cancer – Surrey’s systemic care teams have also grown with the addition of 3.8 full‑time equivalent (FTE) registered nurses, 2.2 FTE unit clerks, seven FTE pharmacists and 4.4 FTE pharmacy technicians. Funded through B.C.’s 10‑Year Cancer Action Plan, these roles were recruited to support the expanded systemic therapy unit as well as ongoing efforts to expand operating hours

Donors Supporting Local Cancer Care

BC Cancer Foundation partners closely with BC Cancer – Surrey across the full spectrum of cancer care – from helping patients manage the financial pressures of treatment through the Patient Relief Fund, to advancing clinical trials and investing in specialized equipment and critical infrastructure such as the expanded chemotherapy suite.

Manjit Lit, a White Rock businessman, was among the many donors who supported the Foundation’s fundraising campaign to expand the chemotherapy space. Inspired by the cancer journey and fundraising efforts of late community leader Avtar Singh Virdi, Manjit rallied his peers to raise an incredible $260,000.

The BC Cancer Foundation is now fundraising $30 million toward a new, second BC Cancer centre in Surrey – an investment that will help the region keep pace with rapidly growing demand for cancer care. Opening in 2030, the new centre is expected to double systemic therapy capacity locally and expand access to advanced treatments and research for patients in the Fraser region.