VANCOUVER – On June 6th, 2011 the BC Government announced they are funding the expansion of five new Integrative cancer care centres across BC, including a virtual one in Vancouver to serve rural and remote parts of the province. The new centres are part of the expansion of InspireHealth, a world leader in providing cancer care programs that optimize recovery and survival, with the goal of providing access to integrative care for all British Columbians living with cancer - a first in the world. Through this new funding initiative, BC will become the global leader in integrative care and a model for the rest of the world.

The expansion of InspireHealth, which has operated a Vancouver centre since 1997, will improve cancer care delivery and help patients learn about the many ways they can support their own health and recovery. Integrative care recognizes that health is more than the treatment of illness and that an optimal healthcare system includes the broader support of health.

Integrative cancer care combines nutrition, exercise, and stress management programs with standard cancer treatment to promote an overall healthier lifestyle, which is proven to lead to better patient outcomes and cancer survival rates. The expansion of InspireHealth will help to ensure that British Columbians have access to the best cancer care possible –one that integrates treatment and health.

Growing evidence exists that Integrative cancer care approaches support health and immune function and can significantly reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and increase survival. Many Canadians have heard of or used the Healthy Heart program. This program has clearly shown that simple steps, such as exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing stress, result in substantial reduction in overall heart disease death rates. Thirty years of success of this program and a growing body of medical research in Integrative cancer care show that these same ideas need to be applied for optimal cancer care.

The InspireHealth’s approach makes financial sense. By reducing the risk of cancer recurrence and the associated treatment and human costs, InspireHealth saves substantial healthcare costs. By improving quality of life and engaging people in their health, InspireHealth saves the healthcare system money.

Core health classes, dedicated to supporting health and healthful lifestyle changes such as healthy nutrition and cooking classes, exercise, meditation, yoga, shared learning groups and stress reduction classes will be offered at all Integrative cancer care centres. InspireHealth is funded through a mix of physician salaries, patient-pay-fees and private donations.

Access to InspireHealth’s physicians and nurse practitioners is free. InspireHealth has a number of other programs including core health classes as well as a two-day LIFE Program that costs $445 for the first year membership and $95 for annual renewals, with the fee waived for patients on Medical Service Plan Premium Assistance. In-house therapy practitioners such as a massage therapist, acupuncturists, and naturopathic doctor, have patient-pay-fees.

The Ministry of Health is providing one-time, start-up funding totalling $2.5 million for five new centres including a virtual one in Vancouver. Additional annual funding of $2.5 million from the Provincial Health Services Authority will provide up to 12 additional medical doctors.

Greater access to integrative cancer care is part of Healthy Families BC, which supports British Columbians to manage their own health, reduce chronic disease and ensure that pregnancy and support programs target the province’s most vulnerable families.

Quotes:

Minister of Health Michael de Jong

“Integrative cancer care is part of our commitment to support British Columbians make healthier choice. Integrative cancer care provides cancer patients with access to improved physical, emotional and nutritional health as well as new opportunities for patients to engage with practitioners about natural therapy interventions and healthy lifestyles.”

Vancouver-Fairview MLA Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid

“Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but there is hope and support for British Columbians living with cancer. As part of Healthy Families BC, InspireHealth is expanding its unique cancer care delivery services in communities across the province.”

Dr. Hal Gunn, co-founder and CEO of InspireHealth

“An Integrative approach to cancer care supports the mind, body, spirit and immune system. There is growing evidence that the widespread adoption of InspireHealth’s Integrative approach to care will result in a significant reduction in cancer deaths, cancer recurrences, and related healthcare costs.”

Lynda Cranston, president & CEO, Provincial Health Services Authority

“The expansion of InspireHealth is directly complementary to the work of the BC Cancer Agency, a part of the Provincial Health Services Authority, and its regional cancer centres located throughout the province. Our focus is on cancer control and treatment, but we also seek to improve the quality of life of people living with cancer and InspireHealth is a welcome partner in that work.”

Cancer patient Carol Sicoli

“Being diagnosed with cancer is a humbling and life-changing experience that goes beyond just your body. Learning about InspireHealth and its Integrative approach to cancer care enables people to find a sense of calm amidst a storm of emotions whereby true healing of the mind, body, and spirit can unfold. Attending the two-day Life Program is like breathing in fresh air to sustain life and gives you the power to actively engage in a wellness journey with perseverance and joy.”

Quick Facts:

• The BC Cancer Agency estimates that about one in three British Columbians will develop some form of cancer in their lifetime.
• More than 23,000 British Columbians are projected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2011.
• Cancer diagnoses are expected to grow to more than 30,000 by 2021, an increase of about 30 per cent.
• Just over 9,500 British Columbians will die from cancer in 2011 compared to 15,500 in 2021, an increase of 63 per cent.
• An estimated 50 per cent of all cancers are preventable.
• The most common cancers for women in British Columbia are breast, lung and colorectal.
• The most common cancers for men in British Columbia are prostate, lung and colorectal.
• Despite the increase, British Columbia has some of the most favourable cancer outcomes in North America. According to the Canadian Cancer Society’s 2010 Canadian Cancer Statistics report, BC men and women have the lowest overall mortality rate and incidence rate for all cancers in Canada.

Learn More:

Visit InspireHealth at www.inspirehealth.ca

Visit Healthy Families BC at http://www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca/healthy-lifestyles-inspire-health.php

Media contact:

David Adams

InspireHealth

Director of Operations

604.734.7125 x227

About InspireHealth:

Vancouver’s InspireHealth is leading the nation with a new model of cancer care. Canada’s foremost integrative cancer care centre since 1997, InspireHealth has served over 6,000 patients, providing an efficient and cost-effective model of cancer treatment and recovery. Through nutrition, exercise, and emotional support, InspireHealth’s patients actively engage in their own healthcare and healing. This life- enhancing process improves quality-of-life, decreases the risk of cancer recurrence, and increases survival rates. InspireHealth is a not-for-profit society and partly funded by BC’s Ministry of Health.