B.C. expanding gynecological cancer care programs [Video]

The British Columbia government is bringing in new programs to address the growing demand for gynecological cancer surgical care in Kelowna and Surrey.

Premier David Eby says the new services, and expansions of programs that already exist in Vancouver and Victoria, will nearly double the number of surgeons providing the cancer care in B.C. from eight to 15.

Eby says rates of gynecological cancer have increased by almost 50 per cent over the last decade in B.C.

A government statement says the program in Kelowna is expected to start in September, with services provided by three new oncologists and as many as 27 staff.

A start date has not been provided for the Surrey program, but the statement says it will include three gynecological oncologists and an enhanced pre- and post-surgery support team, while an additional oncologist will also be added to the program running in Victoria.

The expansions are …