The newly opened Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre’s state-of-the-art equipment and facilities offer advanced treatments and future discoveries.
Calgary’s new world-class cancer centre, the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Arthur Child) brings together different branches of cancer care all under one roof. “It really allows for that wholesome multidisciplinary activity profile, which we know is better for our patients,” says Dr. Don Morris, the cancer centre’s medical director.
Along with significant space for patient care and research, the Arthur Child is home to world-leading technology, attracting the best and the brightest in the cancer field. It’s the first cancer centre in Canada to have two MR-Linac machines, which allow for realtime adaptive radiation therapy. With this specialized equipment, physicians can adjust radiation doses during treatment to be more precise, reducing side effects for patients and limiting the risk of damage to surrounding tissue and organs. “This is only one of many examples of how precision medicine is being introduced to our patients,” says Morris.
“The future of cancer care and research is bright, and the Arthur Child will undoubtedly propel amazing discoveries and advancements in cancer care into the future,” adds Caroline Hatcher, executive director of the Arthur Child.
When the Arthur Child officially opened its doors to patients on October 28, 2024, it welcomed 1,093 outpatients on the first day. Throughout the following two weeks, the cancer centre averaged 1,500 outpatients each day, marking a strong start to its operations. With a key focus on supporting the patients making the transition to the new cancer centre, staff at the Arthur Child also ensured effective treatment and patient satisfaction, while integrating new opportunities such as psychosocial oncology, spiritual care and other essential services to ensure a truly comprehensive approach to care. All of this was made possible, in large part, due to the success of the OWN. CANCER campaign, which well surpassed its $250 million goal.
“This was not a start and a stop; this was one part of an evolution and a maturity going forward,” says Morris. This incredible success has become a source of hope for patients and staff at the Arthur Child, knowing that this is just the beginning.
Owning Cancer
Heather Culbert’s drive to bring world-class cancer care to Calgary began in 1986 when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her own breast cancer diagnosis in 2009 galvanized her resolve. Along with fellow campaign cabinet co-chairs John Osler and Deborah Yedlin, Culbert led the OWN.CAMPAIGN to unimaginable success. “It makes me very emotional when I think about this place. The Arthur Child will rival the top cancer hospitals in the world,” Culbert says. “And we deserve it.”
