BC Government, PHSA and BC Cancer logos

B.C.'s 10-year cancer action plan

Province launches action plan to better

detect, treat and prevent cancer

On February 24, 2023, the Province of British Columbia announced a new action plan with immediate steps to better prevent, detect, and treat cancers, delivering improved care for people now while preparing for the growing needs of the future.

 

B.C.’s 10-year cancer action plan, with new investments in people, technology, and innovation in the delivery of care will:

  • Secure a cancer-free future for more people, including the elimination of cervical cancer in B.C.
  • Help thousands more people survive their cancer diagnosis and extend the duration and quality of life for those living with cancer.
  • Ensure B.C.’s cancer system delivers modern, evidence-based care.

These goals will be achieved by acting across four areas of focus:

Prevent and Detect

Find cancer sooner in patients and prevent cancer altogether by:

  • Enhancing prevention strategies with an emphasis on at risk populations.
  • Strengthening and expanding best practice screening programs.
  • Optimizing the pathway from suspicion of cancer to diagnoses and staging.

Treat

Continue to ensure timely access to cancer treatment by:

  • Enhancing equity and access to cancer surgery services.
  • Ensuring and expanding access to evidence-based radiotherapy services and systemic therapies.
  • Enhancing specialized cancer services.
  • Enhancing connection to palliative care and survivorship services.

Team Care

Optimize cancer care through collaboration and partnership by:

  • Enhancing provincial reach through networks, primary care and community providers.
  • Supporting multi-disciplinary cancer teams in enhancement of service delivery practices.
  • Integrating research and care.
  • Ensuring culturally safe and equitable care for Indigenous cancer patients.

Support and Innovate

Revitalize the provincial cancer care system by:

  • Stabilizing and enhancing the cancer care workforce.
  • Innovating and advancing data and digital means to inform and improve care.
  • Planning for and delivering capital and IMIT infrastructures to support key priorities.

Watch this page for updates as we continue to launch and implement B.C.'s 10-year cancer action plan.

BC Cancer, a program of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. For more information, visit www.bccancer.bc.ca or follow us on Twitter @BCCancer.

The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) provides specialized health care services and programs to communities across British Columbia, the territories of many distinct First Nations. We are grateful to all the First Nations who have cared for and nurtured this land for all time, including the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and səlil̓w̓ətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations on whose unceded and ancestral territory our head office is located. We work in partnership with other BC health authorities and the provincial government to deliver province-wide solutions that improve the health of British Columbians. For more information, visit www.phsa.ca or follow us @PHSAofBC.