Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan Kicks Off $3 M. Inaugural Campaign

September 11, 2019

Saskatoon, SK – Today, the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan (Foundation) announced a $3 M., grassroots, provincial campaign to replace two Computed Tomography (CT) simulators at the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency (Agency).

“Our first fundraising campaign is an important one for the entire province and the future of cancer patients in Saskatchewan,” said Nora Yeates, CEO of the Foundation. “CT Simulators provide the critical first step for every patient requiring radiation therapy as part of their cancer treatment, and we want to ensure they have access to the most advanced technology possible.”

The Agency’s two simulators are almost 10 years old and at the end of their life cycle. One is at the Allan Blair Cancer Centre in Regina, while the other is located at the Saskatoon Cancer Centre.

Roughly half of all cancer patients will undergo radiation at some point in their treatment. In order for that to happen they must first get a CT simulation. The simulation provides a patient’s medical team with the images they need to determine the best radiation treatment plan.

“Ensuring timely access to safe, high-quality patient and family centred care is our priority,” Saskatchewan Cancer Agency CEO Dr. Jon Tonita said. “We are grateful for our partnership with the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan and are excited about this inaugural campaign. The funds raised will help us to ensure that cancer patients in this province continue to have access to state-of-the-art equipment during their treatment.”

New CTs are able to work in 4D rather than the current machines 3D capacity, now adding in the dimension of time. The medical team can more accurately account for breathing motion and organ function which can impact the location of tumours.

“Every day technology changes have been significant, and medical technology moves just as rapidly,” said Karen Allen, breast cancer survivor. “It’s time to update these CT simulators. I believe up-to-date technology would improve patient care and ultimately help save lives.”

Last year, there were over 2,600 CT simulations performed by the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency.

To find out more about the campaign go to www.cancerfoundationsask.ca.

About the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan
The Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan is the fundraising partner of the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency. 100 per cent of the funds raised stay in the province supporting patients, research, early detection and prevention programs.

About the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency
The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency is a provincial healthcare organization with a mandate to provide cancer control through safe, quality treatment, innovative research, early detection and prevention programs.