Calgary’s new comprehensive cancer centre to welcome patients this month

A new, state-of-the-art cancer facility in Calgary will be open to patients by the end of the month.

Premier Danielle Smith, Minister of Health Adriana LaGrange, and Minister of Infrastructure, Pete Guthrie were are among those at the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre Thursday to mark the opening.

“Every life lost to cancer is one too many. For those living with cancer and the family and friends who care for them, the opening of the Arthur Child is a move forward and a point of hope,” said Smith. “This centre will not only provide needed cancer care as a world-class research facility, it will also focus on prevention and early detection that we hope will one day lead to a future without cancer.”

The centre will open in phases, but patient care will begin Oct. 28.

Ground broke for the project on Hospital Drive NW in 2017 and construction was finished in 2022.

With an extensive scope and integration of cancer care services, the province says the Arthur Child will be one of the most advanced cancer centres in the world.

The $1.4 billion facility will have beds for 160 people in its 127,000 square metres of space, as well as 90 chemotherapy chairs, increased space for clinical trials, 12 radiation vaults, outpatient cancer clinics, and clinic and operational support services.

There is also over 9,000 square metres of research space, which will focus on prevention, early detection, patient-centred treatment, supportive care, and patient experiences and outcomes.

The research area alone is bigger than the entire Tom Baker Cancer Centre.

The Arthur Child was created with input from cancer patients and their families, the province says. Since 2014, patient and family advisors have volunteered nearly 5,000 hours to bring the project to life.

Charlotte Kessler is one of those patient volunteers.

She said working on the Arthur Child helped her find purpose during a difficult time.

“When I started with the patient and family advisory council for the new cancer centre at its inception in September 2014, I could only dream of what we would be able to accomplish. I did know that I needed this work to help me find purpose and opportunity within the heartbreak of my cancer diagnosis,” Kessler said. “Now, 10 years later, to be a part of the celebration of these dreams coming to life in such tangible and inspiring ways has me overcome with pride and excitement.”

The province says about half of Albertans will develop cancer in their lifetime, and more than 23,000 new cancer cases are expected this year.

The most diagnosed cancers in the province are breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancer.