'We need to do better': Survey finds cancer patient care remains inconsistent across Canada
The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) is calling on the federal government to do more for cancer patients, as the system continues to struggle nearly three years after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Feb. 4 is World Cancer Day. It's an important date for Sandra Perrault, who was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2021.
"I'm very grateful and happy that my story turned out to be a good one, and I had a positive result. Unfortunately that's not the case for others, and I believe we need to do better," said Perrault.
The CCS has released the results of a national survey that indicates patient care for those being treated for cancer has not improved since the peak of the pandemic.
Among other issues reported by the 700 cancer patients and caregivers surveyed across Canada was the difficulty in booking appointments with cancer specialists.
As well, 25 per cent of respondents said they are still experiencing cancelled or postponed appointments, and 33 per cent said they are not confident they would get quality care in a timely fashion if they had a cancer-related emergency.
Perrault said it was very difficult for her to get treatment during the pandemic. "Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the access to physicians was reduced and restricted severely, and most of the appointments were over the phone and not in person," she said. "So you're not being examined by a physician, it’s a very different situation."
She said the communication between her and her doctor suffered, and as a result, it took a long time to properly diagnose her.
"I had to go straight to surgery, whereas quite possibly there might had been the potential - had I been diagnosed earlier - to have a different treatment," said Perrault.
The CCS said its survey – conducted in November 2022 – shows patient care has not improved enough.
"While we are seeing improvements in some aspects of cancer care and support since the peak of the pandemic, access to care remains inconsistent across the country and vital needs are not consistently being met," said a CCS news release.
Perrault is calling on the federal government to increase funding for cancer treatment, which would result in better access to early screening. "The quicker that we can get early detection, the better the outcome will be, and the better quality of life after," she said.
She added the government could also subsidize drug costs more. "In particular for chemotherapy drugs and other drugs that you go buy over the counter to help combat and help you with that disease, and the side effects from that treatment," said Perrault.
She said we also need more specialists and surgeons in our system, and better caregiver supports.
"I myself was off work for seven months. My husband stopped everything and took care of me," said Perrault.
She said she's grateful to her husband, family, and staff at the St. Boniface Hospital thyroid clinic for everything they did for her.
Perrault is now asking anyone who has been affected by cancer to participate in the CCS's Get Better card-writing campaign.
It asks Canadians to go to the CancerCare website to send a digital postcard to their Member of Parliament to ask for more cancer treatment funding.
Perrault said you can send a physical postcard to your MP as well. "Just give them your story, just say we need to do better … we need more funding," she said.
"We do need to do better and we can."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.