The new Centre for Cancer Prevention and Support in Vancouver is now open. The first-of-its-kind facility in Canada will lead new nationwide research and programs that address both ends of the cancer continuum – preventing cancer before it happens and addressing the challenges of life after cancer.

“A cancer diagnosis has touched nearly every family in B.C. and this new facility will help save lives through research leading to enhanced prevention, early diagnosis and supportive care,” said Minister of Health Adrian Dix. “The centre is bringing together researchers, innovators, clinical support service providers, community partners, cancer patients and survivors to take discoveries from the lab and apply them to life, faster.”

Designed by Shape Architecture, the fully expanded and renovated 6,500-square-metre (70,000 square feet) facility is split into two parts: a patient lodge and an operations space with shared amenities.

The lodge has 32 rooms and 62 beds for out-of-town patients. The operations side includes space for research, clinical assessment rooms, offices and meeting rooms.

The shared amenities include a gym, yoga room, meditation garden, lounge and a demonstration kitchen for designing nutritional programs for cancer patients and survivors. The society has also reopened its wig and breast prothesis bank in the centre.

The Centre for Cancer Prevention and Support is a $26-million project funded by a $10-million grant from the province and a $16-million commitment from the Canadian Cancer Society supported by donations from the community.