The BC Cancer Agency today received a $1.4 million grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to develop a comprehensive, quality approach to end of life care.
The grant was awarded to Richard Doll of the BC Cancer Agency and Dr. Arminée Kazanjian of the University of British Columbia, who are leading a multi-province team that will address cultural, psychological and social factors that affect patients' health and access to palliative care.
The Honourable Tony Ianno, Minister of State (Families and Caregivers), Dr. Bernard Patry, Member of Parliament for Pierrefonds-Dollard, on behalf of the Honourable Ujjal Dosanjh, Minister of Health, and Dr. Alan Bernstein, President of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), today announced $16.5 million in funding for the CIHR Palliative and End-of-Life Care Initiative. The announcement was made at the 15th International Congress on Care of the Terminally Ill hosted by McGill University.
"The comprehensive scope of the research being carried out makes The Palliative and End-of-Life Care Initiative a world-first. The terminally ill must be able to live with dignity, without pain, and with support for both themselves and their families," said Minister Ianno.
"The Government of Canada supports the priority given by CIHR to this innovative research that matters to all of us," added Dr. Bernard Patry.
CIHR's Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) launched this initiative after identifying palliative and end-of-life care as its number one priority. Eight other CIHR Institutes and eight other organizations joined this initiative as partners given their common cause in treating pain and terminal illness. CIHR partners are: Heart and Stroke Foundation; Canadian Breast Cancer Research Alliance; Alberta Cancer Board; BC Cancer Agency; CancerCare Manitoba; Health Canada; the National Ovarian Cancer Association; and National Cancer Institute of Canada.
The Palliative and End-of-Life Care Initiative is designed to create a strong research base and recognition for the field as a health-research discipline in its own right. Its vision moves beyond the traditional boundaries of cancer palliative care by including other clinical disciplines.
The BC Cancer Agency project will aim to strengthen partnerships between institutions and researchers to improve training of new investigators in end of life care; develop new approaches and tools for research; and conduct pilot studies.
The BC Cancer Agency, a part 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 Research Centre conducts research into the causes and cures for cancer.
For more information, please contact:
Nicole Adams
Public Relations Officer
BC Cancer Agency
604.877.6272