Bank of Bermuda Foundation has made a $500,000 grant to the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre’s radiation therapy initiative.

The radiation therapy unit is due to open in the next few weeks and will provide treatment for cancer patients as well as symptom and pain relief for palliative care patients.

Treatment services will be provided to all residents of Bermuda, regardless of one’s insurance coverage or ability to pay.

Bank of Bermuda Foundation chairman Tom Conyers said in a press release: “The Foundation is very pleased to support the BCHC in establishing a radiation treatment facility for the people of Bermuda.

“The initiative has been established by well-respected professionals and provides both cost effective treatment with the convenience of remaining on the island with the support of family and friends.

“We are confident the affiliation with Dana Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Centre, along with specialist medical practitioners in Bermuda will provide a level of comfort for all patients requiring these specialised services on the island.”

Judy White, president of the board of directors at Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre stated: “One of our goals for making radiation therapy available in Bermuda is to greatly reduce the burden, financial and time, cancer patients and families face having to travel abroad for treatment.

“Patients will receive the highest standard of care here in Bermuda, and our clinical affiliation with the Dana Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Centre will ensure that patient care is delivered to a world-class standard through the specialist support team in Boston who will be working in conjunction with the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre team and medical director and oncologist, Chris Fosker.”

The press release says in Bermuda at least 300 people are told they have cancer annually.

Radiation therapy will be recommended for almost 200 of these people, but currently only 100 people per year travel overseas for radiation treatment.

Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre seeks to close this gap and will provide radiation therapy at no additional cost to the patient regardless of their level of insurance.

For more information on the facility, patient referrals or to make a donation to this life-saving cause, visit www.chc.bm.