October 13, 2021
CALGARY – The city’s new cancer centre will offer patients a technology that provides the world’s most advanced radiation therapy for treatment of tumours.
Two MR-Linac machines were recently installed at the Calgary Cancer Centre, which is currently under construction and scheduled to open in 2023. The technology delivers radiation while simultaneously obtaining high-contrast and high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), enabling radiation oncologists to deliver more precise radiation to tumours that move with respiratory motion, or to tumours that are close to healthy organs that need to be avoided. This will result in better tumour control and fewer side effects from radiation.
The Government of Alberta and the Alberta Cancer Foundation invested $18.9 million to cover the cost of both machines.
“Cancer directly or indirectly touches the lives of almost every Albertan. Ensuring patients and families have access to outstanding cancer care is a priority for our government, and why we’re proud to have invested in this technology,” says Jason Copping, Minister of Health.
“Alberta continues to be a place where advanced research and innovation allows us to provide high-quality care to our patients,” adds AHS President and CEO Dr. Verna Yiu. “With the generous funding from our government and the Alberta Cancer Foundation, we will not only be able to provide more targeted therapy but also treat a wider range of cancers and patients.”
“The Alberta Cancer Foundation was able to step forward with this funding commitment as we knew our donor community would get behind having this revolutionary technology available for Albertans when the cancer centre opens its doors,” says Alberta Cancer Foundation CEO Wendy Beauchesne. “And get behind it they did! We thank those who have already made donations to this and we look forward to engaging the community to fulfill this commitment.”
The $1.4-billion Calgary Cancer Centre will be the largest stand-alone cancer centre in Canada, increasing cancer care capacity in southern Alberta by consolidating and expanding existing services to support integrated and comprehensive cancer care. The centre will provide cancer treatment services and serve as a hub for cancer research. AHS, the Alberta Cancer Foundation and the University of Calgary have launched OWN.CANCER, a campaign to raise $250 million for the facility. Visit owncancer.ca to learn more.
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
