GOVERNMENT INVESTS $6 MILLION TO IMPROVE PATIENTS' CANCER TREATMENTS

Released on June 25, 2003

Saskatchewan Health is investing $6 million in the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency (SCA) for two new linear accelerators, renovations for the new equipment, and health provider training.

"Our continued support of the excellent programs and services provided by the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency reflects our government's commitment to provide accessible, quality health care services to the people of Saskatchewan, while ensuring our health system is sustainable into the future. These goals are outlined in our government's Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care, announced in December 2001," Health Minister John Nilson said today at a news conference at the Saskatoon Cancer Centre.

"These linear accelerators are the new standard of technology that allows radiation specialists, nurses and other health providers to give the highest quality of care to patients, and ultimately increase their chances for recovery," Nilson said.

Half of all patients diagnosed with cancer receive radiation therapy either as their sole treatment or in combination with other treatments such as surgery or chemotherapy.

The standards for linear accelerator equipment have improved in recent years with the advancement of technologies and new treatment techniques.

"The new linear accelerators will have the ability to send a radiation beam in the exact shape of a particular tumour, which will ensure that only the target areas receive treatment. A three-dimensional treatment planning system will customize a treatment plan based on an individual's particular tumour size, shape and density. This means that we can minimize adverse effects to the patient and improve our ability to successfully treat the tumour," Executive Director of the Saskatoon Cancer Centre Dr. David Popkin said. The new machines replace two older linear accelerators.

"It is this type of advanced technology that greatly helps the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency to retain and attract health care specialists such as oncologists, radiation therapists and physicists," Saskatchewan Cancer Agency Chief Executive Officer Bob Allen said. Despite a national and international shortage of health professionals specializing in cancer treatment, the SCA has close to a full staff complement in the radiation departments at both Saskatoon and Regina cancer centres.

The new linear accelerators will be located in Saskatoon and Regina and will be operational in 2004, following bunker construction and the calibration and testing of these machines.

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For More Information, Contact:

Mark Rathwell Health Regina Phone: (306)787 4083

Glenda Little Saskatchewan Cancer Agency Public Affairs Phone: (306)791-2767