Since the very first cancer treatment centre in BC opened in a renovated house in Vancouver in 1938, the BC Cancer Agency has grown to a world renowned research organization that puts patients first in treating and preventing cancer.
Back in 1938, cancer treatment was focused on the use of radiation treatment. Today, cancer experts have a range of leading-edge treatments based on local and global research to tackle the disease.
Throughout the last 75 years the BC Cancer Agency has been at the forefront of many cancer breakthroughs:
Creating the world's first cervical cancer screening program in the 1950s, and reducing cervical cancer rates in the province by 70 per cent.
Establishing Canada's first breast cancer screening program in 1988, and decreasing breast cancer rates by 25 per cent in B.C.
Launching a tissue tumour repository -the first research resource of its kind in Canada.
Pioneering oncogenomic research.
Discovering that a single gene, CIITA, is implicated in almost 40 per cent of one type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and 15 per cent of all Hodgkin lymphoma cases, a finding which could help determine how new drugs are developed for lymphoma.
Determining that breast cancer can be classified into 10 subtypes.
Decoding the genetic make-up of triple negative breast cancer, which could lead to more effective treatment.
In partnership with the fund-raising group the BC Cancer Foundation, the BC Cancer Agency expanded and went through numerous name changes as it moved under government administration in 1974: the British Columbia Cancer Institute, the Cancer Control Agency of BC, the British Columbia Cancer Agency, and finally in 1994 to its current name - the BC Cancer Agency.
World-renowned for its research, the BC Cancer Agency continues to attract some of the brightest minds to its two research centres, the BC Cancer Agency Research Centre located in Vancouver and the Trev and Joyce Deeley Research Centre located in Victoria. The BC Cancer Agency partners with industry and other organizations to move discoveries and inventions from the lab to the clinic.
"Providing 75 years of cancer care to the people of British Columbia is a truly impressive accomplishment," said Health Minister Terry Lake. "Our provincial approach to cancer care has given B.C. some of the best cancer outcomes in Canada; and we should all take pride in the fact that the BC Cancer Agency is world renowned for its care, treatment and research."
The BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer, and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. For more information, visit www.bccancer.ca.
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