The province of British Columbia in Canada has announced plans to send some cancer patients to the United States for radiation therapy to reduce long wait times. Health Minister Adrian Dix said that breast and prostate cancer patients will be referred to two clinics in Bellingham, Washington state, with all associated costs covered. Nearly 83% of radiation therapy patients in the province are currently able to start treatment within the recommended 28 days, but this is lower than the national average of 96%. The Bellingham clinics will be able to treat up to 50 patients from British Columbia per week, potentially benefiting approximately 4,800 patients over the next two years.