NEW CANCER TREATMENT EQUIPMENT IN SASKATOON

Released on February 19, 2004

Minister of Health John Nilson today unveiled new state of the art radiation therapy technology that will provide Saskatchewan cancer patients with the latest treatment techniques.

Saskatchewan residents now have access to a new linear accelerator (Linac) for treating cancer.

Health Minister John Nilson officially unveiled the new equipment today at the Saskatoon Cancer Centre, saying the purchase is consistent with the vision in The Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care.

"This new linear accelerator provides Saskatchewan cancer patients with a new standard of care that has emerged with the advancements in technology. It directly improves our ability to deliver timely, accessible and efficient cancer care," Nilson said. "It will also make it easier for us to retain cancer care specialists, encouraging them to stay and practice in Saskatchewan."

Located in the Saskatoon Cancer Centre, the $2.2 million high-energy linear accelerator increases the accuracy and effectiveness of treatment. The new Linac can send a radiation beam in the precise shape of a tumour improving effectiveness in the treatment of all types of cancer that require radiation therapy.

Dr. David Popkin, Executive Director of the Saskatoon Cancer Centre said the Linac will treat between 25 and 40 patients daily, up to twice the current number, depending on the type of treatment required. "We expect this new Linac to allow us to further reduce wait times for cancer treatment," Dr. Popkin said. "We now have two matched Linacs which allow for greater flexibility in scheduling patients once their treatment has been planned."

Saskatchewan Cancer Agency Board Chairperson Gary Semenchuck believes the purchase will make it easier for the Agency to retain cancer care professionals. "This equipment dramatically improves the work environment for our radiation oncology specialists by providing them with state of the art technology and the capability to participate in new radiation therapy research," Semenchuck said.

Saskatchewan Health provided the funding to purchase the Linac, as well as an additional $480,000 for capital construction to house the Linac machine, bringing the total investment to $2.7 Million.

Saskatoon Cancer Centre now has two modern Linacs operating, as well as two older models still in operation.

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For More Information, Contact:

Mark Rathwell Health Regina Phone: (306)787-4083