BC Cancer

BC Cancer: provincial cancer control program in British Columbia

BC Cancer is a comprehensive cancer control program whose mandate covers the full spectrum of cancer care: prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment, as well as research, education and supportive and palliative care. The program is recognized as an international leader in clinical excellence and research and operates six modern cancer centres across the province, equipped with cutting-edge technology.

Patient care and clinical services

The institution offers a patient guide that includes forms for new patients, information about the first visit, support materials and a list of questions for the doctor. Services and support available include parking for patients, the Fair Pharmacare program, requesting patient records, health information for out-of-province or out-of-country patients, a glossary of terms, systemic therapy, clinical ethics, hereditary cancer, Indigenous cancer control, interpreter services, late effects assessment and follow-up, library, molecular imaging therapy and screening programs.

The program also includes a smoking cessation service, support programs, supportive care centres and clinics, and information on influenza and COVID-19 vaccination for people with cancer, as well as a safer space for patients.

Types of cancer and treatment

The site organizes information by type of cancer: blood and lymphoid, bone and soft tissue, brain and central nervous system, breast, childhood, digestive system, eye, head and neck, lung, pelvic area, skin and urinary. The treatments section details biosimilar drugs, radiation therapy, surgery and systemic therapy (chemotherapy).

For those living with the disease, topics covered include advance care planning, alcohol and cancer treatment, complementary and alternative therapies, emotional support, exercise, managing symptoms and side effects, medical cannabis, nutrition and practical and family support, as well as video resources and specific care for adolescents and young adults.

Research and clinical trials

Research activity focuses on lymphoid cancer, nutrition and technology development, with ethical oversight. The program invites participation in initiatives such as the BC Generations Project, biobanking and biospecimen research, research services, clinical trials and Personalized OncoGenomics.

Prevention, screening and statistics

BC Cancer maintains prevention and screening programs, a cancer registry, an online statistics dashboard and publications with technical notes, acknowledgements and citation. It also offers resources on oral cancer and skin cancer prevention, including a skin cancer atlas.

Projects and priorities

Featured projects and priorities include British Columbia's 10-Year Cancer Action Plan, the new Surrey hospital and cancer centre, Burnaby Hospital Phase 2 and the BC Cancer – Burnaby McCarthy Centre, the Nanaimo cancer centre and the Kamloops cancer centre.

Education and careers

The institution trains professionals in medical oncology and medical physics, and has volunteer programs. It offers career paths in nursing and nurse practitioner, molecular imaging therapy, administrative roles, radiation therapy, medical physics, pharmacy and clinical dietetics, with opportunities in Kelowna, Prince George, Surrey, Vancouver, Victoria, Abbotsford, Kamloops and Nanaimo, as well as programs specifically for Indigenous professionals and resources for Indigenous students.

Networks and resources for professionals

For health professionals, BC Cancer provides referrals, clinical resources, cancer drug and cancer management manuals, chemotherapy protocols, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, COVID-19 resources, fertility, hereditary cancer, laboratory services, pain and symptom management/palliative care, pharmacy, psychosocial oncology, radiation therapy, tumour treating fields and clinical trials. It also coordinates networks such as the Community Oncology Network, the Family Practice Oncology Network and the Surgery Network, and offers professional resources such as Supportive Care ECHO.