CancerCare says new medical oncologist on the way

CancerCare Manitoba says there are measures in place to ensure there will be no interruption or delays in cancer care in the Westman region with the impending departure of the region’s only medical oncologist.

Following the departure of Dr. Brady Anderson on Nov. 13, patients receiving treatment at the Western Manitoba Cancer Centre in Brandon will continue to have access to medical oncology services, stated a press release issued by the organization and Prairie Mountain Health on Sunday afternoon and shared on social media.

“CancerCare Manitoba had already recruited an additional medical oncologist specifically for the Western Manitoba Cancer Centre earlier in 2026,” the release stated. “This new medical oncologist is in Manitoba and will join the Brandon team in early December. Additional medical oncologist resources are being added in November to bridge care following Dr. Anderson’s departure and before the new oncologist begins.”

A plan is in place to ensure all patients receiving care at the Western Manitoba Cancer Centre will continue to be seen by a medical oncologist, the release stated. “Their care will not be interrupted or delayed because of this transition.”

The announcement comes amid concerns about the implications of losing Anderson, who has been the only practising medical oncologist outside Winnipeg.

Anderson, who has worked at the Western Manitoba Cancer Centre for four years, announced his departure after what he described as several years of advocating for additional staff and resources to make his working environment sustainable.

In an interview with the Sun last week, Anderson said his decision to leave oncology practice came after his requests for additional support were unsuccessful.

“Anything would be helpful to make this a potentially sustainable work environment, but (I) was unfortunately denied,” he said.

The Reston-born physician said he had always wanted to practise in Westman and remained deeply concerned about the future of cancer care in the region.

“I still deeply care about Westman and patients. This is where I’m from. This is where my family’s from, and I want them to make sure that they have access to the best possible care at all times,” Anderson said.

Following his departure from oncology, Anderson is expected to begin practising general medicine at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, although he said he hopes to return to oncology in the future.

Doctors Manitoba previously confirmed that 23 medical oncologists were listed in the province, with one practising in Brandon and the remaining 22 in Winnipeg.

According to the organization’s analysis of national data, Manitoba has approximately 20 per cent fewer medical oncologists per capita than the Canadian average.

» aodutola@brandonsun.com, with files from Rylee Gerrard