CALGARY – Although the rate at which Albertans are being diagnosed with cancer or dying from the disease is continuing on a downward trend, CancerControl Alberta’s chief medical expert says Calgary’s cancer patient capacity problems are far from being solved.
“We don’t have a specific contingency plan at this point,” said Dr. Paul Grundy, senior medical director of CancerControl Alberta. “In Alberta Health Services and Alberta Health, we are well aware that we have needs around capacity for cancer treatment in Calgary–and for access. We’ve known this for some time.”
In December, the province said a replacement for Calgary’s Tom Baker Cancer Centre would be delayed indefinitely, despite a scheduled construction start of early next year. This was due to a review of spending prompted by the drastic drop in oil prices.
The facility had already been delayed several times, and was originally promised a decade ago. The delay prompted hundreds to rally in January, including Alberta Cancer Foundation’s Lynn Van Hyfte, who suggested Calgary is the only city of its size in Canada without a “comprehensive” cancer care centre. The Alberta Cancer Foundation had planned to raise $200 million to put towards the new centre.
READ MORE: Hundreds rally in support of Cancer Centre
“We’re well aware of the need for improved capacity for cancer services in Calgary,” said Grundy on Monday. “We have been using various options for the last 10 years to meet those capacities since we outgrew the Tom Baker Cancer Centre.”
Grundy admitted the current process of delivering cancer therapy at multiple sites throughout the city was “not ideal,” and added he was waiting for government direction on next steps.
“If it’s not possible to go further with the cancer centre, we will need to look at other options.”
Between 2002 and 2012, the province’s cancer rates have declined by about one per cent each year, according to data released Monday by Alberta Health Services (AHS). Death rates have also declined by 2.2. per cent each year from 2005 to 2012, according to AHS.
With files from Heather Yourex, Melissa Ramsay and Sarah Offin
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