Cancer Centres

As one of 17 cancer centres directly supported by the Alberta Cancer Foundation, the Tom Baker Cancer Centre has been redefining the future of cancer in Alberta since its inception in 1981.

Donate to the Tom Baker Cancer Centre

Thanks to our donors, Calgary is a global leader in the treatment of glioblastoma. A dream team of the brightest minds in brain cancer research are harnessing their talents and technologies to find new treatments for glioblastoma, the most common and deadly form of brain cancer affecting 2,600 Canadians annually. Despite this form of cancer being difficult to treat, scientists in Calgary are already making major gains. Their work has translated into improved quality of life, and extended survival for cancer patients in southern Alberta. Today, Albertans receiving treatment exceed the median life expectancy by an average of 14 months. The Alberta Cancer Foundation helped achieve another first for Alberta with an investment in the Permanent Breast Seed Implant Project, also known as breast brachytherapy. Oncologists at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre are now performing an innovative breast cancer treatment that uses implanted radioactive seeds, each the size of a grain of rice, to eradicate remaining cancer cells weeks after the removal of a tumour. Instead of enduring daily radiation treatment for weeks and requiring multiple hospital visits, breast brachytherapy is one-day procedure with reduced side effects. Last year, more than 24,000 patients received treatment at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre. For many facing cancer and their families, the Tom Baker Cancer Centre will forever hold a special place in their hearts for the compassionate care they received during their cancer journey. With the support of generous Albertans like you, the Tom Baker Cancer Centre can continue pushing for accelerated change, progress and above all, results.

As one of 17 cancer centres directly supported by the Alberta Cancer Foundation, the Cross Cancer Institute has been redefining the future of cancer in Alberta since its inception in September 1968.

Donate to the Cross Cancer Institute

Thanks to our donors, the Cross Cancer Institute is now home to two state-of-the-art PET/CT scanners that are making waves in cancer screening and treatment for Albertans. These new generation scanners are capable of providing high-resolution images, are valuable early detection tools in spotting much smaller tumours than previously possible, which is vital in impacting the course of treatment for many types of cancer. Compared to conventional scanners, the new PET/CT technology can screen three times as many patients, which means earlier detection, better treatment options and more positive patient outcomes. Cross Cancer Institute donations have directly funded the Institute’s world-class tumour bank, which is home to thousands of priceless specimens accessible to researchers across the province and the world that will contribute to future research productivity. One example of the tumour bank’s importance came when a team that included the Cross Cancer Institute’s Dr. Sambasivaro Damaraju and Dr. John Mackey decoded the complex genetic makeup of the hard-to-treat, deadliest form of breast cancer, paving the way for developing new drugs and more effective treatments. Last year, more than 21,700 patients received treatment at the Cross Cancer Institute. For many facing cancer and their families, the Cross Cancer Institute will forever hold a special place in their hearts for the compassionate care they received during their cancer journey. With the support of generous donations from people like you, the Cross Cancer Institute can continue pushing for accelerated change, progress and above all, results.