$39M+ raised to advance cancer care and research at VGH. Thanks to you, we are Greater Than Cancer.
We are Greater Than Cancer
Watch VideoYour generosity saves and improves lives.
This year, over 30,000 people in BC will be newly diagnosed with cancer.
Many will turn to Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) — where the most complex cases are diagnosed and treated.
When the stakes are highest, VGH is there. Thanks to you, VGH is ready. Your generosity is building capacity where it matters most. Faster diagnoses. More precise surgery. Innovative treatments.
Because of you, cancer patients across BC are becoming Greater Than Cancer.
This is the power of VGH+ You
Be Greater Than Cancer-
You transformed spaces to deliver faster answers and sharper diagnoses.
Pathology Lab
Western Canada’s largest, processes samples so diagnoses are ready in hours, not days.
Photon-Counting CT Scanner
Revolutionary imaging. Built for earlier, more precise diagnoses at VGH.
“By integrating robotics, we are significantly reducing the time between biopsy and diagnosis. For patients, this means quicker answers, earlier treatments, and more lives saved.”
Dr. Michael Nimmo
Head, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, VGH
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You equipped world-class surgical teams with what they need to tackle cancer’s toughest tumours.
Mazor Spine Robot
Incredible precision. Faster recovery. Improved access to care for patients in BC.
Advanced Surgical Microscope (M77)
Built for the most complex cases to protect critical brain structures.
“This technology changed the story for our oncology patients: Now they have a real chance at more years, more milestones, more life with the people they love.”
Dr. Nicolas Dea
Head, Combined Neurosurgical & Orthopaedic Spine Program, VGH
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You helped empower bold leaders to accelerate breakthroughs that spark new life-saving therapies – benefitting patients in BC first.
Hematology Research Unit
BC’s first inpatient clinical trials unit for blood cancers, delivering first‑in‑human therapies like CAR T‑cell treatment.
Opportunistic Salpingectomy
Study on intervention pioneered at VGH reveals how it reduces ovarian cancer risk by nearly 80%.
“Your support has helped expand access to new therapies, advance first-in-class drug development, and create a strong foundation for the future of blood cancer research.”
Dr. Florian Kuchenbauer
Medical Lead, Hematology Research Unit, VGH
See how you helped us rise above
Download the Greater Than Cancer Impact report
1 in 2 British Columbians will face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime.
By 2050, cancer cases worldwide are expected to jump 75%. – World Health Organization
BC’s overall increase in cancer cases is in large part due to a growing and aging population. Risk factors like smoking, alcohol use, obesity, and air pollution also play a role.
In 2023, BC launched a 10year Cancer Care Action Plan. VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation’s Greater Than Cancer campaign is helping power VGH’s ability to deliver on BC’s plan.
VGH diagnoses and treats the most complex cancer cases in BC. It’s home to:
- The busiest Pathology Lab in Western Canada
- BC’s Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program
- Plus, numerous other specialized cancer programs
More than 50% of VGH patients are referred from outside Metro Vancouver for specialized care they can’t get anywhere else in the province.
Chemotherapy, reimagined
The future of cancer care is here.
Thanks to your generosity, VGH is the first hospital in Canada to use KIRO Oncology Chemotherapy Robots, making cancer treatment safer and more efficient.
The robots prepare up to 12 medications at once, supporting the delivery of 26,600 IV doses each year. By increasing the speed of chemotherapy preparation, more patients are getting timely, life‑saving treatment when they need it most.
Learn More
Latest Stories
Discover the powerful stories of patients, donors, and medical breakthroughs that are impacting health care in your community.
Two small pills: How an innovative cancer treatment saved Mehb’s life
Watch VideoLatest Stories
Discover the powerful stories of patients, donors, and medical breakthroughs that are impacting health care in your community.
Genevieve beat cancer three times. Now she’s fighting for others.
Watch VideoOur deepest gratitude to the Greater Than Cancer Campaign Cabinet. Their leadership and dedication helped turn bold ambition into real impact for patients across BC.
“I believe that helping others is the best way to give back for the kindness and brilliant medical care that my Dad received when he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, who lived 17 years after his initial diagnosis. My hope is that everyone can receive the same exceptional care. As technologies and treatments improve, investing in healthcare is necessary.”
– Devi Sangara, Co-Chair
“Many life-saving therapies in use today across the world started at VGH. For example, I was part of the team that pioneered opportunistic salpingectomy as a surgical intervention to reduce the risk of ovarian cancers. I joined Greater Than Cancer because I believe in the bright surgeons and scientists at VGH whose innovations continue to change standards of care.”
– Dr. Dianne Miller, Co-Chair
“Cancer demands our attention now. I joined the Greater Than Cancer
Campaign because I believe in investing in the best and most innovative scientific minds to reach new heights of achievement. This campaign will lead to greater prevention in high-risk families, better treatments, and health and longevity for years to come.”
– Alice Chung, Vice-Chair
CO-CHAIR
- Dr. Dianne Miller
CO-CHAIR
- Devi Sangara
VICE-CHAIR
- Alice Chung
CABINET MEMBERS
- Charlie Lamb
- Genevieve Duford
- Ian Storrs
- Sherry Zamrou
- Leslie Cannon
- Rebecca Pang
- Tony Geheran