Ava GabouryMy friend was diagnosed with breast cancer a year ago, and we watched her transform from an energetic firecracker to a shadow of her former self. Her oncologist was reputedly experienced, but something just didn’t sit right.
Despite the aggressive regimen, her condition deteriorated, and communication with the doctor felt rushed and impersonal. After several months of persistent setbacks and mounting frustration, she decided to switch healthcare providers.
Her experience sparked a fire within me to help others who may not be receiving the best care for their cancer. With the help of my trusty Waterview Vancouver team, we embarked on a quest to find the top oncologists in our city.
We combed through countless reviews and spoke with both current and former patients to gather valuable insights. After much deliberation, here’s who made it onto our list of the top oncologists in Vancouver.
How much does it cost to go to an oncologist in Vancouver?
Going to an oncologist in Vancouver costs at least 150 CAD per appointment.
This is just an estimate and the final price will vary depending on your insurance provider and the treatment you’ll receive.
How We Chose
1. BC Cancer Agency
Address: 600 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4E6, Canada
Contact Details: +1 604-877-6000
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
BC Cancer Agency covers everything—from prevention and screening to the nitty-gritty of diagnosis and treatment. They also delve deeply into research and supportive care, ensuring a holistic approach that reassures many patients we spoke with.
One of the things patients loved was the range of treatment options offered. Radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, and even the use of biosimilar drugs were all on the table.
Many also appreciated the personalized care they receive. The oncologists would discuss different treatment paths and tailor them to their patient’s specific needs.
Others described their oncologists as empathetic and experts in all things cancer-related. They loved the approachable nature and willingness of the staff to answer even the smallest questions.
Still, a word of caution echoed through many testimonials—communication within the BC Cancer Agency could use some fine-tuning. Patients sometimes received conflicting information from different departments.
Extremely polite, friendly, helpful
“We received excellent service from one of the staff working Unit D last week. Her name was Colleen and she was working the Unit D desk. She was extremely polite, friendly, helpful and compassionate. Thank you so much Colleen for taking the time and making the effort to make our visit more pleasant. You sure have a positive impact on those you deal with that are not going through a good time and you should feel proud for making things better. Your smile, kindness and humor and patience was needed and also much appreciated. Keep up the great work and thanks again Colleen.
Heidi and Mike”
–Heidi and Mike B Google Review
So caring and compassionate
“Awesome people that Work there and care for the patients, in my experience since coming here 2017. During my Chemo 2017 nurse Paula was so caring and compassionate 👍
This week had a little scare again and my Ultrasound Technician Annalise and Mammogram tech Sarah were so caring and made me feel at ease.
I’m moving to Toronto soon, hope I find the same care as BC Cancer 👏👏👏 “
2. VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation
Address: 855 W 12th Ave #190, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
Contact Details: +1 (604) 875-4676
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation focuses on treating the toughest cancers, including prostate, pancreatic, and blood cancers.
Several patients who’ve been treated here praised the staff for their empathy and support throughout their treatment. Doctors and nurses are known for explaining every step of the treatment plan, reducing the stress that comes with cancer treatments.
Many who are dealing with ovarian cancer raved about the OVCARE program. Patients appreciate the innovative research of using a sophisticated microscope to catch genetic changes early.
The foresight and careful planning from the doctors were also frequently noted as crucial in containing the cancer in time.
That said, some patients expressed frustration with the use of medical jargon. This occassionally made it hard to fully understand their treatment options.
The caring and knowledge of the nurses is unbelievable
“Visiting the cancer center for a couple weeks treatment with my wife. Very impressed with the cleanliness. The caring and knowledge of the nurses is unbelievable. So caring. Very fast and efficient.”
–John Anker, Google Reviews
They have been great nurse’s and doctor’s
“I have been going to the BMT outpatient unit for a few years now recovering and getting cancer treatments. They have been great nurse’s and doctor’s. They care and it shows. Hopefully I will not need to be visiting them every week. Fingers crossed.”
–Patrick Pg, Google Reviews
3. Cancer Treatment Options and Management
Address: 757 W Hastings St #142, Vancouver, BC V6C 1A1, Canada
Contact Details: +1 (778) 999-5463
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 4 PM
Cancer Treatment Options and Management is known for their Precision Oncology—it’s pretty much one of the top cancer treatment right now.
Patients we talked to were super impressed with the personalized care they received. For many who do Precision Oncology, their cancer has specific genetic mutations, and their doctors are able to tailor their treatment exactly to those mutations.
Several patients also mentioned that Precision Oncology therapy was way gentler than the standard chemotherapy they had before.
Many also commented on the diagnostic imaging and tumor RNA sequencing. Several credited their smooth cancer journey to being properly diagnosed thanks to their advanced imaging techniques.
Still, we heard a few complaints regarding how hard it is to squeeze in last minute appointments.
I was left feeling extremely confident
“Very informative and professionally coordinated orientation meeting. I was left feeling extremely confident that I am in good hands and that this is a worthwhile venture to pursue (working with CTOAM).”
–Scott Stennet, Google Reviews
Way above and beyond what any oncologist could offer
“I just wanted to share my experience working with Alex and the team at CTOAM. Dealing with a serious health issue as cancer is the most scary overwhelming feeling and I truly wish no one go through this. Dealing with what the government has to offer can be very frustrating, but these folks provided a huge sense of relief and hope during a very difficult time. Alex is super knowledgeable and cares about finding the best possible treatments for each patient. He put in hours researching customized options based on our specific needs – way above and beyond what any oncologist could offer under the constraints of the system which is very limited. It was really nice having such a advocate in our corner. I know the healthcare system can really limit what doctors can provide, but Alex explored innovative solutions from around the world that we never would have known about otherwise. It was like having a personal concierge connecting us to top notch care and the latest treatments. Of course they charge for their services, but you get what you pay for. The testing they recommend is expensive but it’s important for finding the correct targeted treatment. I never doubted that Alex and his team wanted to help. I’m very very sad that my loved one passed away before we could fully pursue the treatment plan as they never made it past them immunotherapy which was recommended by Alex as the first step to shrink the tumours before proceeding to testing, etc. as we were dealing with stage four.
But CTOAM was incredibly thoughtful – they sent flowers and a heartfelt note, and didn’t charge us anything for the consultations. It meant a lot!!
I’d tell anyone facing this health challenge – reach out to these people! Alex is super smart and will go the extra mile to help you explore all options. Having his expertise on your side makes a huge difference. Wishing you all the best!”
–Joe Really Knows Best!, Google Reviews
4. Dr. Catherine Multari, ND
Address: 3195 Granville St Unit 211, Vancouver, BC V6H 3K2, Canada
Contact Details: +1 (604) 566-3345
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday, Thursday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Wednesday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to Noon
If you’re looking for a cancer care plan that goes beyond the conventional, Dr. Catherine Multari may be a great fit. She blends traditional cancer therapies with holistic practices. Think acupuncture, herbal medicine, and nutrition counselling, just to name a few.
For many, after just a couple of acupuncture treatments, they felt a noticeable drop in their anxiety levels and chemotherapy-associated nausea.Others also said Dr. Multari’s focus on complementary treatments really makes a difference in day-to-day life.
The intravenous therapy and prolozone therapy are also often highlighted by the patierts we talked to. They said the therapies significantly boosted their energy levels and decreased their pain.
However, it’s important to note that some of the complementary treatments, such as nutritional supplements and mistletoe therapy, can become costly. One of our sources mentioned that not all insurance plans cover these additional treatments, which can lead to financial strain.
I came through surgery, chemo and radiation very strong
“Partnering with Dr Multari at the beginning of my cancer diagnosis was the best decision. I came through surgery, chemo and radiation very strong, felt supported and will continue to work with her for the years to ahead.”
–Jo Esterhuizen, Google Reviews
Happy to have her as part of my team
“Dr. Multari is very approachable and listens to my needs. She is also great at explaining medical terms and procedures to get a better understanding. I am happy to have her as part of my team to help manage the many side effects associated with my medications.”
–Danielle Dagenais, Google Reviews
5. Lemmo Integrated Cancer
Address: 3900 Hastings St #205, Burnaby, BC V5C 2H6, Canada
Contact Details: +1 (604) 428-1991
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Dr. Lemmo of Lemmo Integrated Cancer Care is known for helping many cancer patients successfully recover.
One aspect patients truly appreciate is the thoroughness of the initial consultation. You get a whole hour with Dr. Lemmo, where he dives deep into your health history and current diagnosis. This left many survivors feeling genuinely heard for the first time in their treatment journey.
What really stood out to us, though, was the chemosensitivity testing. This innovative test involves a simple blood draw, which acts like a “liquid biopsy.”
The range of treatments Dr Lemmo offers is also impressive. He offers hyperthermia cancer treatment, photodynamic therapy, intravenous vitamin therapy, and more. Several patients mentioned feeling less fatigued and more optimistic after receiving care here.
This clinic also offers both group and private rooms for treatments, giving patients flexibility in their care environment.
However, a common drawback reported was the long wait times, with some patients waiting over an hour past their scheduled appointments.
My son is cancer free now in July
“My son received a stage 4 diagnosis In May 30% chance of survival, I immediately took him to doctor lemmo and he gave us the tools we needed to keep him healthy during the chemotherapy while also making chemotherapy more effective.
My son is cancer free now in July, he went from doctors saying he would always have a substantial tumor in his head to nothing in 2 months. amazing and I truly do have doctor lemmo to thank.
If you have cancer you should 100% get to this man he will improve your life substantially.”
–Kova B, Google Reviews
Dr.lemmo has always been caring, exceptionally knowledgeable
“Dr.Lemmo truly cares. I have been a patient on & off for about 15 years and Dr.lemmo has always been caring, exceptionally knowledgeable and his expertise work!”
–Venus Roberts, Google Reviews
