A leading local cancer charity is looking to expand into a new space as cancer rates rise and new treatment options emerge.

Lynn Woolridge, the chief executive of the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, said that the charity was “bursting at the seams” and needed additional space for its services.

“I have been at the centre for just over six years and we have doubled our staff complement in that period of time while still staying in these same four walls,” she said.

“There is definitely a need for more physical space for staff and of course there is a need for physical space for any additional services that we may want to offer in the near or far future.”

Chris Fosker, an oncologist and medical director for BCHC, said that the charity employed about 17 staff members before it launched its radiation treatment unit, but those figures have now risen to 43.

“One of the big changes is we have introduced life-saving and essential cancer treatments here in Bermuda,” he said. “That has caused big growth.

“The second factor is the burden of cancer. What we have seen in Bermuda is that from 2010 to 2019 cancer cases increased by 31 per cent.”

Dr Fosker noted that one reason for the increasing number of cases is the island’s ageing population, which is expected to continue to put pressure on the island’s healthcare system in the coming years.

He said: “About 75 per cent of cancer occurs between the ages of 55 and 84.

“Bermuda will see a 25 per cent increase in the number of people over the age of 65 in the next 15 years.”

Dr Fosker added that while there were a number of cancer prevention programmes in place and even more being discussed, their impact will not be felt for years to come.

“To see change in that takes five years, ten years, twenty years, so we are not going to affect this curve of increasing cancer for a long, long period of time, so we are going to need more resources,” he said.

Dr Fosker said that advancements in cancer treatment continue to be made and there are a number of new ways organisations can look after cancer patients compared with the past, but they will require more staff and more physical space.

He said that one area in which services could be expanded was through cancer wellness programmes, which are aimed at helping patients physically and mentally before, during and after treatment.

“As soon as you are diagnosed with cancer, there is a challenge to your body physically and mentally,” Dr Fosker said.

“There is an increasing body of evidence that doing lots of exercise and being open about your mental health before you start your cancer treatment helps you get through your treatment and helps you on the other side.”

He said that because 70 to 75 per cent of cancers can now be cured, there is a greater focus on protecting patients’ quality of life.

“Even with the 25 to 30 per cent of people who aren’t being cured of cancer, they are still living with cancer and they can have a brilliant quality of life,” he said. “Cancer wellness encompasses all of these scenarios.”

Ms Woolridge said the charity was in the process of putting together a capital campaign to not only find additional space but to replace equipment that has been in use for years.

“Our radiation therapy unit opened in 2017, so we are looking at the replacement of that machine at some point in the near future,” she said.

“All of these things are bing factored in. The numbers are a little bit daunting, but they are realistic. It is what it is, and this is what we need to do to fulfil our mission.”

Ms Woolridge said that while the charity was ideally looking for space on the “doctors’ row” of Point Finger Road, it was willing to explore other options if they arise.

“Not being able to have enough physical space in the right layout that we need is kind of impeding out plans so right now we are looking at every and any opportunity to expand beyond these walls,” she said.