Another machine in this centre, and the opening of a new centre in Victoria in March, means the end of waiting lists is near. It will be the first time in 20 years that we will have the capacity to meet the radiation treatment needs for cancer patients. Staff at the Cancer Agency and the Ministry of Health have worked hard to develop this program in recent years, and we are witnessing some of that effort with this opening today. It is used to treat some, but not all cancers. It destroys cells either directly or by interfering with cell reproduction.
Normal cells are able to recover from radiation damage better than cancer cells.
Radiation therapy used alone can be curative in many cases. The BC Cancer Agency is responsible for cancer care and research in British Columbia. The BC Cancer Agency provides a comprehensive cancer care program by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including, prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. The BC Cancer Agency is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care.