The Use of Robotics is Cancer Treatment

There is no doubt that global cancer incidence rates are on the rise. It is estimated that 45% of males and 40% of females in Canada are likely to develop cancer in their lifetime. Here in Ontario, cancer rates have steadily increased since 1996 including here in the Champlain LHIN region . Whether this is primarily a case of an aging population or due to environmental factors related to the food we eat, the water we drink and the air we breath (probably a combination of both), cancer is a growing phenomenon. There is even growing concern, some of it warranted, that cancer incident rates are increasing in younger Canadians – outside of melanoma (skin cancer).


The causes of cancer continue to be hotly debated as the science remains unclear surrounding many of its potential causes and, as a consequence, is creating policy concerns, public confusion and fear. Although this paints a rather bleak but, accurate picture, there is a bright light in the war against cancer – treatment. Cancer treatment has vastly improved over the last number of decades. The odds of surviving many cancers has never been better as cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery have improved. There have also been several additions to cancer treatment in the areas of complimentary and alternative therapies. But one of the most intriguing advancements in cancer treatment has come in surgery. Over the last number of years, the use of robotic assisted surgery has become more commonplace for the treatment of several types of cancer. The following 4 blog entries will take a critical look at robotic assisted surgery - how it works; how it has contributed to the treatment of cancer; if it makes a difference as compared to more conventional surgical techniques; if the hype surrounding this type of surgery is worth the economic price we pay for the technology; and where in Canada provides access to robotic assisted surgery.