VICTORIA - The BC Cancer Agency's new Vancouver Island Cancer Centre will open for patients next Tuesday to provide cancer care and treatment to people from Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.

The cancer centre is at 2410 Lee Ave. on the Royal Jubilee Hospital site in Victoria. The new switchboard number is 250 519-5500, and all other cancer centre phone numbers have also changed.

The old cancer centre will be closed this Friday and next Monday while staff and equipment move to the new facility. There will be no treatments or appointments on these days, although emergency services will be available.

An official opening ceremony will be held on March 23, with a community open house on March 24.

Almost $46 million has been invested in the cancer centre. The provincial government, through the Ministry of Health, contributed nearly $39.3 million to build and equip the centre. The BC Cancer Foundation raised $6.4 million to develop a research unit at the centre.

The Ministry of Health is also funding $1.9 million in start-up costs and $400,000 in one-time operational funding to enable the centre to open as early as possible. A separate $1.03 million project to link the cancer centre to the hospital's new diagnostic and treatment facility is also being funded by the ministry.

"The new centre is about three times the size of the old facility - initially it will add 20 per cent more treatment capacity for Island residents and reduce service pressures in other cancer centres in the province, virtually eliminating the stress of waiting for treatment," said Health Minister Corky Evans. "Cancer patients need to know they have the best equipment and care available."

Of the $18 million allocated for equipment acquisitions, $14 million has been spent on six new radiation machines. Once these machines are running at full capacity, waiting times for treatment will be dramatically reduced.

The linear accelerators in the new Vancouver Island Cancer Centre are the latest technology and will create the most advanced radiation service in Canada. Many patients will also have more treatment options, lower expenses and the best possible care closer to their homes.

"Patients, doctors, health-care workers and all our staff are rejoicing at the new centre opening," said Dr. Brian Weinerman, BC Cancer Agency vice-president of regional services for Vancouver Island. "Being able to treat people quickly without undue separation from friends and family makes a great deal of difference when it comes to comfort and peace of mind. That is health care at its best."

One example of improved access to services is in the enlarged chemotherapy area, which will accommodate all patient treatment without operating extra hours.

"This is a significant year for our cancer program and for cancer patients," said Dr. Simon Sutcliffe, president and CEO of the BC Cancer Agency. "The opening of the Vancouver Island Cancer Centre, as well as the addition of a fifth radiation therapy machine in our Fraser Valley Cancer Centre, marks the first time in 20 years that we will be able to meet the radiation treatment needs of cancer patients throughout the province."

The BC Cancer Agency is responsible for cancer care and research in British Columbia. It 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. Research conducted by the BC Cancer Agency into the causes and cures for cancer is supported by the BC Cancer Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for cancer research in British Columbia.

Editors: There is no media access to the new cancer centre next Tuesday. However, media are welcome to visit the new centre on Monday as staff prepare the building and equipment for patients. Please contact BC Cancer Agency Public Relations at 604 877-6107 to arrange details.