January 15, 2016
Province Announces New CancerCare Manitoba Facility to be Built at Sherbrook and McDermot
– – –Expanding CancerCare Manitoba Will Mean Better Service for Families: Premier Selinger
The Manitoba government has approved the site for the expansion of CancerCare Manitoba at the current Manitoba Clinic property at Sherbrook Street and McDermot Avenue, Premier Greg Selinger announced today.
“Nearly every Manitoban is touched by cancer in some way and the province is committed to investing in a new state-of-the-art facility for CancerCare Manitoba,” said Premier Selinger. “The new facility will address growing demands for cancer services in Manitoba and expand the scope of cancer research.”
“The new facility will offer diagnostics, treatment and research to help cancer patients and their families get the care they need, and the building will connect to the current CancerCare building, which will help ensure services remain easy to access and co-ordinated for the benefit of patients,” said Health Minister Sharon Blady.
The minister noted the land was purchased by the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.
“The CancerCare Manitoba Foundation is very proud to be a key contributor to the new CancerCare Manitoba facility,” said Doug Harvey, chair, CancerCare Manitoba Foundation. “Our investment in this world-class project will enhance the cancer journey for patients and their families as well as support groundbreaking research that helps attract the best and brightest clinicians and researchers to Manitoba.”
Each year, more than 6,000 Manitobans are diagnosed with cancer, while up to 10 times more undergo investigations for suspected cancer. New cancer cases and the number of existing cases that require followup are estimated to increase by 40 to 50 per cent over the next decade, the minister said.
“CancerCare Manitoba must be prepared for the increase in patient volume while enhancing the patient experience for Manitobans and their families,” said Dr. Sri Navaratnam, president and CEO, CancerCare Manitoba. “Our commitment is to provide excellent cancer services to Manitobans. This will require a comprehensive approach from prevention to early detection, treatment and survivorship. Our goal is also to ensure that Manitobans have access to the most current cancer treatments and benefit from leading-edge research and innovation.”
Minister Blady said the design process for the project will soon be underway, and noted the commitment to this new project builds on other recent investments in cancer care including:
- implementing a comprehensive, fully integrated provincial system for digital mammography;
- expanding the province’s Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Immunization Program starting next year to include both males and females to keep them healthy and reduce the number of new cancer cases; and
- investing in new equipment that allows for more targeted treatment and better outcomes after radiation for patients with ovarian, cervical, uterine and other cancers at CancerCare Manitoba.
For more information on cancer services, visit www.cancercare.mb.ca/.
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