B.C. to send cancer patients to U.S. for faster radiation treatment

The province estimates approximately 4,800 people will benefit from cross-border cancer treatment over the next two years. Starting May 29th, it'll send up to 50 breast and prostate cancer patients per week to one of two clinics in Wash. to receive radiation treatment. Costs of travel will be fully covered for patients and a caregiver, including meals and accommodations. The government described the move as necessary to reduce wait times for cancer patients. The Ministry of Health estimates most of these patients will receive five fractions of radiation therapy, which would cost $3,854 in B.C., compared with $12,277 at the private cancer centres in the U.S.
Related:
La Colombie-Britannique forcée d’envoyer près de 5000 patients atteints de cancer aux États-Unis - Agence QMI