Prince George is getting its own InspireHealth (IH) centre.
B.C.'s northern capital - along with Victoria, Kelowna, Abbotsford and a virtual centre for rural communities - was announced for IH expansion on Friday.
Up until now, the unique cancer care facility was available only in Vancouver where it has earned international acclaim for improving cancer outcomes by using complimentary healthcare techniques alongside mainstream cancer treatments.
"[The provincial government] will contribute $5 million that will take the formula for success that InspireHealth represents and make it available across British Columbia," said Minister of Health Mike de Jong.
One of the speakers at the announcement was breast cancer survivor Carol Sicoli, who used the services of IH during her recovery. She was pleased to see it made available to other key communities around the province.
"No longer did I fear the Big C - cancer - I found the ability to find joy in life," she said.
IH facilities help patients learn about the many ways they can support their own health and recovery. According to experts in the field, some of whom gave details during the expansion announcement, integrated cancer care combines nutrition, exercise, and stress management programs with standard cancer treatments to promote an overall healthier lifestyle, which is proven to lead to better patient outcomes and cancer survival rates.
"An integrated approach to cancer care supports the mind, body, spirit and immune system," said Dr. Hal Gunn, co-founder and CEO of IH.
"There is growing evidence that the widespread adoption of InspireHealth's integrated approach to care will result in a significant reduction in cancer deaths, cancer recurrences, and related health-care costs."
IH facilities are focused around core health classes dedicated to supporting lifestyle features such as healthy nutrition and cooking classes, exercise, medication, yoga, shared learning groups and stress reduction classes will be offered at all integrated cancer care centres.
"We had different cancers but we shared the same commonalities," said Sicoli, describing the group elements of IH. "I continue to go to classes, I continue to practice, some days are better than others , but when I feel isolated or alone, I can come to IH and just breathe. I know I am surrounded by those who love me and have unconditional support for me."
The centres will begin to open in September and will be fully open in all new location by fall of 2012.
