Cancer

This undated photo provided by Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca in June 2022 shows production of their Enhertu, an antibody-chemotherapy drug administered intravenously. (Daiichi Sankyo/AstraZeneca via AP)

Research showing that with cancer treatment, less can be more

Studies show less drastic treatment helpful for ovarian and esophageal cancer and Hodgkin lymphoma

 

A new study projecting declining rates of cancer cases and deaths in Canada demonstrates the success of prevention and early detection programs, but also highlights areas where more work is needed to save and prolong lives, researchers say. A technician displays images of a mammogram scan on a computer screen at a hospital in Odessa, Texas, on Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Odessa American, Eli Hartman

Early detection working to slow Canada’s rate of cancer deaths: study

Despite rates and deaths decreasing overall, 88,100 cancer deaths expected in 2024

 

In this May 6, 2010 file photo, a radiologist uses a magnifying glass to check mammograms for breast cancer in Los Angeles. The Canadian Cancer Society says all provinces and territories should lower the starting age for breast cancer screening to 40. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Damian Dovarganes

40 the new target age for breast cancer screening: Canadian Cancer Society

Advocates would like to see all provinces adopt that age instead of existing 50

 

BC Cancer- Victoria hosted an open house on Oct. 5, 2019. (Evan Taylor/News Staff)

OPINION: B.C. Black Press editor starts his personal cancer ‘journey’

Many cancer survivors describe their experiences as a “journey.” I am embarking…

  • May 1, 2024
BC Cancer- Victoria hosted an open house on Oct. 5, 2019. (Evan Taylor/News Staff)
A cervix self-screening kit is a part of the first self-screening cervical cancer plan in Canada, in Vancouver, Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns

Doctors say Canadians are dying because of outdated cancer screenings

Guidelines for some common cancers conflict with the opinions of specialists in those areas

A cervix self-screening kit is a part of the first self-screening cervical cancer plan in Canada, in Vancouver, Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns
(Stock image/Metro Creative Connection)

100 men in B.C. expected to be diagnosed with testicular cancer each year

April is Testicular Cancer Month and a B.C. researcher is reminding people to be proactive

(Stock image/Metro Creative Connection)
The Spirit Abreast dragon boat team from Chilliwack, seen here at a regatta in Penticton in 2023, is having a recruiting event on April 9, 2024. (David Arthurs)

Breast cancer survivors wanted to paddle with Chilliwack dragon boat team

People can learn more at Spirit Abreast’s upcoming meet-and-greet at Bob Chan-Kent Family YMCA

The Spirit Abreast dragon boat team from Chilliwack, seen here at a regatta in Penticton in 2023, is having a recruiting event on April 9, 2024. (David Arthurs)
B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix speaks during a health-care funding announcement, in Vancouver on February 12, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Immunotherapy treatment for lymphoma, leukemia now available in B.C.

Patients who needed the treatment would previously have to be sent outside the province or country

B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix speaks during a health-care funding announcement, in Vancouver on February 12, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Medical tools are pictured in an exam room at a health clinic in Calgary on Friday, July 14, 2023. B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix announced on March 10, 2024 that the province is expanding access to a blood cancer treatment. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Access to new blood cancer treatment expanded in B.C.

CAR-T therapy previously only available through clinical trial, now offered in several hospitals

Medical tools are pictured in an exam room at a health clinic in Calgary on Friday, July 14, 2023. B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix announced on March 10, 2024 that the province is expanding access to a blood cancer treatment. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
John Erickson is concerned about an Interior Health decision to close the west entrance into the cancer clinic due to flu season. (Jennifer Smith - Morning Star)

B.C. hospital sends terminal cancer patient on cold walk to avoid the flu

Vernon cancer patients lose special entrance due to protocol that ‘doesn’t make sense’

John Erickson is concerned about an Interior Health decision to close the west entrance into the cancer clinic due to flu season. (Jennifer Smith - Morning Star)
The Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops will be home to a new cancer care centreCancer care centre 1 step closer to completion in Kamloops. (DAVE EAGLES/KTW)

Cancer care centre 1 step closer to completion in Kamloops

Construction expected to begin in 2025, following recent approval of business plan

The Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops will be home to a new cancer care centreCancer care centre 1 step closer to completion in Kamloops. (DAVE EAGLES/KTW)
Health Minister Adrian Dix Tuesday (Jan. 30) announced that the construction of a new cyclotron to be located at the University of British Columbia is underway. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns)

New cyclotron at UBC promises to accelerate cancer diagnostics in B.C.

Machine is part of a $50.5 million investment in cancer research

Health Minister Adrian Dix Tuesday (Jan. 30) announced that the construction of a new cyclotron to be located at the University of British Columbia is underway. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns)
This kit is a part of the first self-screening cervical cancer plan in Canada, in Vancouver, B.C., Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024. The Canadian Cancer Society and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada hope the rest of the country will follow B.C.'s new approach to cervical cancer screening.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns

Gynecologists hope Canada follows B.C. in cervical cancer screening

B.C. first province to offer the option of doing the HPV tests at home

This kit is a part of the first self-screening cervical cancer plan in Canada, in Vancouver, B.C., Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024. The Canadian Cancer Society and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada hope the rest of the country will follow B.C.'s new approach to cervical cancer screening.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns
A woman holds a test swab for an at-home HPV test piloted by BC Cancer. Premier David Eby and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced Tuesday (Jan. 9) that B.C. is moving toward at-home HPV test as the primary testing method, replacing the traditional Pap test. (Courtesy of BC Cancer Facebook)

B.C. launches self-screening for HPV amid rising cervical cancer rates

New self-screening tests using HPV testing methods to become available Jan. 29

A woman holds a test swab for an at-home HPV test piloted by BC Cancer. Premier David Eby and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced Tuesday (Jan. 9) that B.C. is moving toward at-home HPV test as the primary testing method, replacing the traditional Pap test. (Courtesy of BC Cancer Facebook)
An online fundraising campaign has begun in support of Warren and Jen Maarhuis, who are both battling cancer. They are pictured with their daughters Charlotte and Hailey.

Abbotsford cop and wife both battle cancer; online campaign underway

GoFundMe page to help ease financial strain for couple with two daughters

An online fundraising campaign has begun in support of Warren and Jen Maarhuis, who are both battling cancer. They are pictured with their daughters Charlotte and Hailey.
Donovan James, Kristin Logan and their daughter Cipher will be together this Christmas after Logan’s cancer surgery at the University of Washington Medical Centre. Photo: GoFundMe

Cancer patient abandons B.C. healthcare to seek treatment in U.S.

Case becomes lightning rod for issues plaguing cancer treatment in the province

Donovan James, Kristin Logan and their daughter Cipher will be together this Christmas after Logan’s cancer surgery at the University of Washington Medical Centre. Photo: GoFundMe
Movember was originally launched in Australia and has since become a worldwide movement to help men’s health issues. (File contributed/ Benjamin Wilson, spangdahlem.af.mil)

‘Mustaches and mental health’ Movember wraps up around B.C.

217,0000 men in Canada have been diagnosed with prostate cancer

Movember was originally launched in Australia and has since become a worldwide movement to help men’s health issues. (File contributed/ Benjamin Wilson, spangdahlem.af.mil)
Phillip Blundell, centre, was 49 when he died of pancreatic cancer in August of 2021. Blundell’s dad Peter, right, was diagnosed with the same cancer and died 55 days later. (Contributed by the Blundell family)

B.C. woman raises awareness of pancreatic cancer after husband, son die 55 days apart

About 80% of those diagnosed with the cancer will come with an advanced disease: Doctor

Phillip Blundell, centre, was 49 when he died of pancreatic cancer in August of 2021. Blundell’s dad Peter, right, was diagnosed with the same cancer and died 55 days later. (Contributed by the Blundell family)
The Canadian Cancer Society says deaths from lung cancer have decreased by about four per cent per year since 2015. An emergency sign is seen by a hospital in Montreal on July 10, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi

Lung cancer kills fewer Canadians, early detection, fewer smokers credited

Death rate to the disease is down 4% since 2015, Canadian Cancer Society numers show

The Canadian Cancer Society says deaths from lung cancer have decreased by about four per cent per year since 2015. An emergency sign is seen by a hospital in Montreal on July 10, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
Sara Johnston was 39 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2021. Here, she celebrates the completion of her eighth and final round of chemotherapy. (Photo courtesy of Sara Johnston)

Diagnosed at 39, B.C. breast cancer survivor pushes for lower screening age

Had she waited until she was 40, Sara Johnston’s cancer likely would have been Stage 4

Sara Johnston was 39 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2021. Here, she celebrates the completion of her eighth and final round of chemotherapy. (Photo courtesy of Sara Johnston)