Kelowna program brings cancer care closer to home for women
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Kelowna General Hospital is marking the one-year anniversary of its Gynecologic Oncology surgical program, which has already provided specialized cancer care to 256 women in B.C.’s Southern Interior.
The milestone comes with news of an $800,000 donation from the FDC Foundation, based in Mississauga, Ont. The gift allowed the hospital to purchase highly specialized surgical equipment, making it possible for women to receive treatment in Kelowna rather than travel to Vancouver.
Before the program launched, patients diagnosed with ovarian, cervical, uterine, vulvar and vaginal cancers often faced long waits and the stress of traveling far from their families. The program, supported by BC Cancer, provincial health leaders and the KGH Foundation, has helped reduce delays and meet the four-week standard of care.
Three gynecologic oncology surgeons were recruited to Kelowna for the initiative. Officials say demand for the service will continue to grow, with gynecologic cancers rising 46 per cent in B.C. over the past decade.
