The new Linear Accelerator at Chinook Regional Hospital. (Image Credit: Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation.)

By David Opinko

New cancer radiation therapy machine in Lethbridge nearly complete

Feb 23, 2026 | 3:28 PM

Cancer patients in southern Alberta will soon be able to get more advanced radiation therapy closer to home.

Crews are finishing up work to install a new Linear Accelerator (LINAC) at the Jack Ady Cancer Centre in Chinook Regional Hospital.

Crystall Elliott, CEO of the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, says it replaces an aging machine that staff had been using for the last 15 years.

The new device is said to be “state of the art” and much more accurate.

Elliott says it is an exciting addition to their facility.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

“It’s a radiation therapy that’s used in oncology to deliver high-energy X-rays or electrons to treat cancer… it shapes and modulates the beam to precisely target tumours, and it spares surrounding healthy tissue through image guidance and beam modulation,” says Elliott.

She adds that LINACs can be used to treat breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, brain tumours, head and neck cancers, as well as other solid tumours.

According to Elliott, it will not only help to improve patient outcomes but also ensure that far fewer residents need to travel to Calgary for treatment.

The Jack Ady Cancer Centre currently sees over 900 patients every year.

The acquisition of the LINAC was made possible due to a $2.9 million donation from the estate of Bruce and Edna Moffat in 2025.

The radiation department at the Cancer Centre was recently renamed in their honour – the Bruce & Edna Moffat Wellness Lounge.

Elliott says partnerships with the Alberta Cancer Foundation and Cancer Care Alberta were also crucial in getting this new equipment.

“Any time you can partner together, your reach can go so much farther,” says Elliott.

Work to install the LINAC took place across most of January, and Elliott tells LNN that it should become fully operational shortly.

READ MORE: Historic $2.9 million donation made to Lethbridge cancer centre