|
04/04: New BC Cancer Agency program brings prostate cancer treatment closer to home
Patients to benefit from specialized radiotherapy treatment in the Southern Interior
A new program launched at the BC Cancer Agency’s Centre for the Southern Interior gives prostate cancer patients in B.C.’s Southern Interior access to a specialized radiotherapy treatment, called brachytherapy, in Kelowna.
“Having specialized radiotherapy treatment available in Kelowna will be a tremendous benefit to prostate cancer patients who need it,” said Health Minister George Abbott. “Expanding the brachytherapy program supports B.C.’s position as a leader in cancer care with some of the most favourable outcomes in North America.”
Brachytherapy is the placement of radioactive seeds or sources directly into, or next to, a tumour. In the case of prostate cancer, these tiny radioactive sources, often called "seeds," are placed into or near the prostate itself to deliver radiation therapy directly to the tumour tissue, sparing surrounding healthy tissues.
”I was thrilled when I was told I was a candidate for brachytherapy,” recalls James Stones, the first patient to have the procedure done in Kelowna just last week. “When I found out I had prostate cancer, I did a lot of research on the treatment options for men in my situation. Brachytherapy was a good choice for me because it’s considered just as effective as surgery but much less invasive.”
Previously, men had to travel to Vancouver for prostate brachytherapy after they completed an assessment at the BC Cancer Agency’s Centre for the Southern Interior to determine their eligibility for the treatment. With a new partnership with Interior Health, the treatment can now be done at the Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) as an outpatient procedure.
“We are very pleased to be able to offer this effective treatment option to local men diagnosed with prostate cancer,” says Dr. Ross Halperin, radiation oncologist, BC Cancer Agency. “This will not only save time for those patients who would have had to travel to Vancouver, but they will also have the opportunity to take part in prostate brachytherapy clinical trials.”
Dr. Halperin adds, “Thanks to the collaboration between Interior Health, the BC Cancer Foundation and a dedicated team of professionals at the BC Cancer Agency, an estimated 36 men in the Interior will be able to benefit from the availability of prostate brachytherapy annually.”
“Having this treatment available in Kelowna will make a world of difference for patients in the Interior,” says Dr. Jan McIntosh, Chief of Staff, KGH. “They’ll have peace of mind knowing they can receive the same excellent care locally, rather than having the added stress of traveling to the Lower Mainland.”
Most patients are able to resume normal physical activities in a matter of days after receiving treatment. Sexual function is also preserved in many patients.
The expansion of the BC Cancer Agency’s prostate brachytherapy program is made possible with the support of the BC Cancer Foundation and Interior Health. Donations from the community to the BC Cancer Foundation were critical in making the BC Cancer Agency’s prostate brachytherapy program a reality in Kelowna. Over $200,000 was raised to purchase the ultrasound equipment and treatment planning system that are required to assess patients’ suitability for the procedure.
“The outpouring of support we received from the community is truly heartwarming,” says
Cynthia Waldek-Peters, BC Cancer Foundation’s Director of Development for the Southern Interior. “The BC Cancer Foundation is very grateful for the generosity of the donors who were instrumental in bringing an important BC Cancer Agency program to the Southern Interior.”
The BC Cancer Agency’s prostate brachytherapy program has come a long way since its inception in 1998, when both the assessment and procedure were only done in Vancouver. Today, patients can have their assessment done in Kelowna, Vancouver, Victoria, or Surrey, and their procedure done in Kelowna and Vancouver.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian men. In B.C., approximately 3,000 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2006 and an estimated 570 died.
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.
For more information, please contact:
Jinny Wu
Communications Specialist
BC Cancer Agency
604.877.6272
Toll-free: 1.800.663.3333, ex 6272
Pager: 604.806.2338
jwu2@bccancer.bc.ca
|