Radiation as a Cure for Cancer
The History of Radiation Treatment in British Columbia
Stewart Jackson MD
This book chronicles the history of radiation treatment used in British Columbia throughout the twentieth century, and the history of the BC Cancer Agency's radiation therapy program. The story begins with the acquisition of X-rays by the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria in 1899 and the treatment of a "sarcoma" of the jaw at the Vancouver City Hospital in April 1902. The first cures using radium were described in 1910 by a retired naval surgeon at St Paul's Hospital. (Click thumbnail image at left to zoom.)
The desire to centralize treatment in a first class clinic in the 1930s led to the creation of the British Columbia Cancer Institute. The progress of the Institute is traced through to the creation of the provincial British Columbia Cancer Agency in the last quarter of the century. The story closes on December 31st 2000.
The narrative is liberally referenced with source material and contains 123 black and white illustrations, personal remembrances, biographical sketches of significant individuals and Author's Notes to help guide those less familiar with the scientific aspects of the treatment.
This history serves as a unique review of how radiation treatment developed globally throughout the twentieth century, and how this compelling story has unfolded in British Columbia.
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JacksonBook125.pdf (3.11 MB) to have a peek at this excellent book.
Copies of Radiation as a Cure for Cancer: The History of Radiation Treatment in British Columbia are available at $50 (includes taxes and shipping costs). Please send your request and a cheque made payable to BC Cancer Foundation, EM Brown Fund #7709045-04.
To: Susan Broadbear
BC Cancer Agency
Radiation Therapy Department
600 West 10th Avenue
Vancouver, BC V5Z 4E6