Alberta’s government is committed to providing Albertans with the high-quality health care they need, including access to cancer care research, screening, prevention and patient-centred treatment. About half of Albertans will develop cancer in their lifetime, with more than 23,300 new cancer cases expected this year. Alberta’s government is committed to improving treatments and outcomes for cancer patients and supporting screening and prevention initiatives to prevent future cases.
On Oct. 28, one of the largest government infrastructure projects in the province’s history, the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre (Arthur Child), will officially open services to patients. The Arthur Child has an extensive scope and integration of cancer care services, making it one of the most advanced cancer centres in the world. The centre will open in phases to ensure that the final stages of quality assurance around every aspect of the building are carried out.
“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. 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.”
With 127,000 square metres of space, including 160 inpatient beds and more than 9,200 square metres dedicated to research, the Arthur Child will provide world-leading care and treatment to patients while driving innovation and working towards a future without cancer. As the cancer care centre for all of southern Alberta, the new Arthur Child has been built to be significantly larger than the Tom Baker Cancer Centre.
“Alberta’s government will continue to do everything it can to prevent future cancer cases and to improve treatment and outcomes. This world-class facility was designed to meet the needs of today while preparing for the future, ensuring Albertans receive the highest level of care possible.”
“Opening the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre is a monumental milestone for cancer patients and their families. This project brought together engineers, patient advisers and medical professionals to create a facility that will affect the lives of Albertans for years to come.”
“This facility is a result of Cancer Care Alberta’s deep dedication to patient-centred care. Designed with our patients’ active involvement, every detail reflects their needs and aspirations. It’s more than just a structure; it’s a beacon of hope where compassionate care meets cutting-edge technology.”
The Arthur Child was created with input from cancer patients and their families. Since 2014, patient and family advisers have volunteered more than 4,800 hours to help bring the project from conception to completion.
The Arthur Child offers both inpatient and outpatient services, placing patients at the centre of a multidisciplinary health system. Research at the facility will focus on prevention, early detection, patient-centred treatment, supportive care and patient experiences and outcomes.
“The excellence in care and research at the Arthur Child is an illustration of the incredible generosity of Albertans. Community support through the OWN Cancer fundraising campaign has helped bring the vision of this world-class facility to life and will transform cancer care in Alberta.”
“The future is brighter for cancer patients in Calgary, Canada and beyond thanks to the research that will happen at the Arthur Child and its translation into better treatments, better patient experiences and better patient outcomes.”
“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. 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.”
Quick facts
- Services at the Arthur Child include:
- more than 100 patient exam rooms
- 160 inpatient unit beds
- more than 90 chemotherapy chairs
- increased space for clinical trials
- 12 radiation vaults, with three more shelled in for future growth
- new on-site underground parking with 1,650 stalls
- outpatient cancer clinics
- clinical and operational support services
- research laboratories
- Construction on the centre was completed in 2022.
- Workers accumulated approximately eight million hours of on-site work during construction. At the peak of construction, more than 1,650 trades and construction workers were on site.
- The building received LEED Gold certification, setting a new standard for health care facilities.
- This certification recognizes excellence in areas such as energy efficiency, water conservation and indoor environmental quality, and reflects a commitment to creating a healthy and sustainable environment for patients and staff.
- The most diagnosed cancers in Alberta are breast, prostate, lung and colorectal cancer. These cancers account for 49 per cent of new cases and 47 per cent of cancer deaths.