There are now more ways than ever before to help cancer patients in the Fraser Valley thanks to the introduction of two new programs at the BC Cancer regional care centre in Abbotsford.
One of the new methods is high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy, which provides patients with internal radiation therapy through catheters placed directly in the tumour site.
According to the BC Cancer Foundation, HDR brachytherapy is a highly effective treatment method thanks to its ability to minimize the amount of healthy tissue that is exposed to the radiation. It also has the added benefit of only requiring one or two treatments.
While this form of cancer treatment was previously only provided to gynecological cancer patients, it will now also be available for people suffering from prostate cancer.
The other major expansion in cancer care at the Abbotsford location was the introduction of a comprehensive oral oncology and dentistry clinic.
This new clinic is able to conduct exams, provide prosthodontics for dental rehabilitation, and offer cone beam CT imaging as well as other complex surgical needs.
Before this new clinic was opened, patients would have to travel to the Surrey location in order to receive more involved oral cancer care.
It is estimated that this clinic will be able to treat more than 3,000 people each year, which former cancer patient Kirk Dobson said is an invaluable service to those like him suffering from the detrimental teeth impacts of life-saving oral cancer care.
"I owe so much thanks to the dentistry people," Dobson said. "It brings tears to my eyes, what an amazing feeling to have this smile again."
This expansion of cancer treatment options was possible due to a $1.9 million contribution from the BC Cancer Foundation, which BC Cancer – Abbotsford executive medical director Dr. Evgeny Sadikov explained will improve the health and quality of life for so many people.
"These new programs represent a major leap forward in cancer care for patients in the Fraser Valley," Sadikov said.
