Imagine there exists a crucial treatment which can save your child’s life. Imagine that that treatment is out of reach purely because it is not available in your country. And every day that passes, bureaucracy delaying getting the procedure abroad, may be the day that your child’s cancer returns.
The helplessness is crushing.
I know the feeling, firsthand. My two-year-old son, Rishaan, was referred to proton beam therapy (PBT) in Boston because Canada simply lacks the technology; there is not a single PBT facility in the entirety of our country. Due to procedural delays, Rishaan relapsed before we even received a treatment date. We had no choice but to proceed with a surgery—his third in less than a year—and then quickly move forward with conventional radiation. While I can’t say for certain whether proton therapy could have saved him given the aggressive nature of his brain tumor, I will always wonder what might have been.
In the US, proton radiation is a routinely recommended treatment for childhood cancers, especially for tumours of the central nervous system (CNS) like AT/RT. It is known to have fewer neurocognitive side effects than conventional photon radiation, making it particularly beneficial for children whose brains are still developing. PBT is a highly precise form of radiation treatment that minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissues. This makes it particularly valuable for children, teenagers, and young adults who have the potential for long-term survival when treated successfully. Conventional radiation can significantly impact cognitive function, whereas proton therapy reduces these risks. Despite its proven benefits, Canada remains the only G7 nation without a PBT facility.
Because of a lack of PBT facility at home, Canadians requiring this therapy must travel abroad, primarily the US due to its geographical proximity. While provincial health authorities cover treatment costs through special application, it can be extremely challenging for families to secure timely approvals; arrange necessary travel documents (visa/passport), finances and accommodation; and travel long distances with a very sick child. Families often end up raising money through GoFundMe, like this teen in Ontario.
Patients who do manage to receive treatment abroad often report elevated levels of stress and isolation. Many of these burdens could be alleviated with a domestic proton therapy facility in Canada. Investing in this technology is not just a matter of convenience—it is a matter of equity, accessibility, and ensuring that every Canadian, especially our most vulnerable children, has the best possible chance at survival and quality of life.
Neha Bhatnagar