B.C. cancer treatment: Province to send patients to U.S

B.C. health minister says some breast and prostate cancer patients will be referred to two clinics in Washington in an effort to reduce wait times for radiation therapy.

Starting May 29th, Adrian Dix says B.C. Cancer will offer eligible patients the opportunity to undergo treatment at one of two partner clinics in Bellingham, with costs related to treatment, travel, accommodation and meals fully covered.

Dix says the province is making the move because B.C. hasn't been meeting its target for ensuring cancer patients receive radiation therapy in a timely manner.

He says the delays are due to factors including shortages of key personnel and the process to replace certain equipment, and the arrangement with the clinics in Bellingham is temporary aimed at getting people the care they need, sooner, as the province works to expand its own cancer care services.