Program offered at BC Cancer Agency’s Fraser Valley Centre

Surrey, B.C. – Often waiting can be one of the most difficult parts of the cancer journey – waiting for diagnostic tests results, to meet with specialists, and to learn about the treatment plan.

The BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is offering a pilot program at its Fraser Valley Centre in Surrey to help streamline the diagnosis and treatment for locally advanced breast cancer patients.

The Integrated Breast Health Service will enable family physicians to refer patients with locally advanced breast cancer living in the Fraser Health region to meet with all necessary specialists – a medical oncologist, radiation oncologist and surgeon who may perform the biopsy – at one time. Previously, patients needed separate appointments with specialists in different locations before a diagnosis was confirmed and a treatment plan organized.

“By providing the quickest possible access to specialized care, we hope to minimize the anxiety many patients face while waiting to learn the results of diagnostic tests and the treatment they will undergo,” says Dr. Frances Wong, Chief Physician of the BC Cancer Agency’s Fraser Valley and Abbotsford Centres. “This will replace the typical process a patient may go through – where she sees her doctor, is referred to get a mammogram, goes back to her doctor who refers her to get a biopsy, then back again to her doctor, and finally to a surgeon or to the BC Cancer Agency for treatment. As well, these patients with advanced disease are those in highest need to have the appropriate treatments started with no delay.”

“The breast health service is so important to women who are in the same boat as me. The nurse coordinator and physicians are able to help remove so much of the hassle and anxiety we feel,” says Begum Chhabra, a 59 year old breast cancer patient living in Surrey. “Every question that my family or I had was answered promptly and with such compassion. I feel like I’m in such good hands.”

This group of patients also benefit from the support of the Breast Cancer Care Coordinator Colleen Sherriff, who navigates them through their care, coordinates necessary appointments and provides information on the treatments recommended by the specialists.

“With 15 years of experience working as a registered nurse in the chemotherapy room and other clinical areas, I’ve seen first hand the anxiety and stress patients and their families face as a result of waiting, and not knowing who they should call with questions and where to find information,” says Sherriff. “As the coordinator of the program, I’m really a navigator for patients, providing them with the resources and support they need as they as they transition through diagnosis and treatment for their cancer. Having someone to assist them through the process takes a lot of stress off the patients and their families, stress they would often have to deal with on top of the treatment side effects and disruption to their lives.”

Sherriff also supports patients and their families by being a consistent contact for them throughout their journey. ”Patients and their loved ones often worry about bothering members of the health care team with questions or concerns that they feel are minor. With my position that is not an issue so problems can be caught early and dealt with before they impact their wellbeing.”

“The program came to fruition thanks to the vision and drive of our colleague, the late Dr. Brian Norris,” says Dr. Lee Ann Martin, medical oncologist, BC Cancer Agency. “The program is currently available to locally advanced breast cancer patients, who account for approximately 10 per cent of breast cancer patients, but we will look into the possibility of expanding the program in the future.”

The new program is made possible by the generosity of close to 350 BC Cancer Foundation donors as well as funds raised from the Foundation’s signature fundraising walk, The Weekend to End Breast Cancer.

"Because 21 per cent of patients at the BC Cancer Agency’s Fraser Valley Centre are here for breast cancer care and treatment, this project has resonated with many of our donors,” says Kate Ludlam, Director of Development at the BC Cancer Foundation, Fraser Valley. “The real-life impact the Breast Health Service will have on these patients is clearly motivating our donors and the BC Cancer Foundation is grateful to the many individuals, groups and businesses who have invested in this important initiative."

The BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, 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. The BC Cancer Foundation raises funds to support research and enhancements to patient care at the BC Cancer Agency.

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For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Jinny Wu
Communications Specialist
BC Cancer Agency

Tel: 604.877.6272
Pgr: 604.806.2338
Toll-free: 1.800.663.3333, ex 6272
jwu2@bccancer.bc.ca