Canada sends cancer patients to Bellingham to receive care at two major radiation centers
British Columbia’s Ministry of Health is sending cancer patients to two Bellingham cancer treatment centers to receive radiation treatments starting this month, according to a news release from the ministry.
Starting May 29, eligible patients from Canada can receive their radiation treatments at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Cancer Center and the North Cascade Cancer Center.
“To ensure every effort is being made to get cancer patients the treatment they need, we are temporarily referring patients to clinics across the border. This immediate action will support patients while we expand cancer services and hire more cancer care staff throughout the province,” Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, wrote in the news release.
With this new plan, the Bellingham cancer centers could have up to 50 additional radiation patients each week.
“We were pleased that BC Cancer reached out to us to explore options for their patients, and we’re confident that this access to much-needed cancer treatment, combined with our other support services, will benefit patients throughout British Columbia in addition to those patients who need and deserve compassionate care close to home,” Jim Bochsler, MD, the Chief Medical Officer for PeaceHealth Medical Group in Bellingham, wrote in an email to The Bellingham Herald.
Patients with breast cancer and prostate cancer will be the first patients eligible to receive treatment in Bellingham as they are the largest group of patients needing radiation therapy, according to the news release.
“The PeaceHealth St. Joseph Cancer Center employs highly experienced radiation oncologists with capacity to serve additional patients beyond those in our region. In addition, recent upgrades to our radiation equipment – we added a second, state-of-the-art linear accelerator last year -- significantly increased our ability to care for more patients,” Bochsler wrote.
Travel, meals, accommodation and most treatment costs will be covered for Canadian patients and their caregivers, and passports or visas are required for travel, according to the news release.
This story was originally published May 17, 2023 at 2:00 AM.
