BC Cancer touts research and prevention

BC Cancer touts research and prevention at Vernon Public Library

Apr 24, 2019 | 10:12 PM

Leading researchers and members of BC Cancer in Kelowna arrived at the Vernon Public Library on Wednesday to share the latest in cancer research.

BC Cancer stresses that when it comes to cancer, early prevention is key.

According to the organization roughly 50 per cent of cancers can be prevented through lifestyle.

Smoking continues to be a leading cause of the disease, with tobacco tied to 14 different types of cancers.

“There’s no amount of tobacco use that is safe. Avoiding tobacco is probably the greatest lifestyle factor that you can choose for overall health,” said Karen Barnstable, Education Leader with BC Cancer.

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Limiting red meat consumption, alcoholic beverages and salty and sugary foods are also suggested to reduce your risk.

BC Cancer recommends maintaining a healthy body weight, eating the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables and getting at least 30 minutes of exercise per day.

At least 10 cancers are tied to obesity, according to researchers.

The Future of Cancer Treatment

Aside from preventative measures, new technologies are being used in the Okanagan to help patients in their battle against the disease.

Brachytherapy is a type of radiation that involves the placement of radioactive “seeds” or “sources” inside or next to a tumor.

The treatment allows the tumor to be treated internally as opposed to externally, and is used to treat breast, prostate and gynecological cancers.

The radiation oncology team at BC Cancer – Kelowna has been taking the lead nationally with the new treatment.

BC Cancer says 75 breast cancer patients in Kelowna are now cancer free after receiving Brachytherapy.

Dr. Ross Halperin is the Regional Medical Director for BC Cancer in Kelowna, and says more innovative treatments involving genetics is the future for cancer care.

“Cancers are named by the organ, I think if we fast forward 10, 15, 20 years, cancers are going to be named by their genetic driver because that’s what is going to determine their management,” said Halperine who notes that the drivers of cancer typically involve genetic mishaps.

Treatments that are custom tailored to fight the genetic mishaps are something researchers are looking into.