Â鶹ӰÊÓ

Health

    • One in four Canadian cancer patients still experiencing cancelled appointments: survey

    Share

    In the field of cancer treatment, nothing is more important than diagnosing and treating the problem as quickly as possible — but according to new survey data, about one in four Canadian cancer patients report that they are still experiencing cancelled or postponed appointments.

    It’s been three years since the COVID-19 pandemic came to Canada, placing an enormous burden on the health-care system. While there have been some improvements in cancer care lately, there's still a long way to go, experts say.

    “While exhausted health-care providers are busy doing their very best to get Canadians the life-saving treatments and screenings they need, the cancer care system remains strained, and that needs to change,†Dr. Stuart Edmonds, executive vice-president of mission, research and advocacy at the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS), said in a news release.

    “With approximately 1.5 million people in Canada currently living with or beyond cancer, we must do everything in our power to ensure the needs of people with cancer and their caregivers are a priority as decision-makers address the challenges to our health-care system.â€

    CCS, Canada’s largest national cancer charity, surveyed 700 patients and caregivers across the country last fall as part of its continued tracking of cancer patients’ experiences during the pandemic, and is releasing the latest results to mark World Cancer Day, which is Feb. 4.

    The survey found that along with missed appointments, one in three patients reported that they weren’t confident they would receive quality care in a timely manner if they suffered a cancer-related emergency.

    For the majority of patients and caregivers surveyed, the most difficult type of medical care to access was a consultation with a specialist.

    Although the pandemic brought renewed delays to cancer care, many of these issues have existed in Canada’s health-care system for a long time.

    'A HUGE TUMOUR'

    It’s been nearly nine years since Yves Dubé took an at-home test for colon cancer and had the sinking realization that something was wrong.

    There was blood found in his stool, which could have been a sign of cancer or an indication of another issue, such as an infection.

    He didn’t have the family history or risk factors that would immediately spark concern, outside of having recently turned 50, the age at which doctors recommend regular screening for colon cancer. But when his doctor told him they could run tests in four to six months' time, Dubé knew that wasn’t soon enough.

    He knew how dangerous a delayed diagnosis could be because, years ago, a friend of his had experienced the same symptoms and ended up in hospital.

    “He died within three months,†Dubé told in a phone interview. “When I got that first result, I remembered that, so that's why I didn't want to wait.â€

    After seeking a test on his own, he found out that his caution was well-warranted: he had Stage 2 colon cancer.

    “I had a tumour, a huge tumour,†he said. “The oncology specialist told me that if I had been diagnosed six months or a year later, it would have been too late.â€

    This was in 2014, and today Dubé is cancer-free. But with cancer patients still dealing with delayed tests and cancelled appointments in 2023, his story is still one he finds himself sharing frequently as a patient ambassador for CCS.

    “The point about my story is the importance of getting rapid diagnosis about the extent of the damage,†he said.

    Receiving a quick diagnosis became even more difficult during in the pandemic, with screenings reduced by at least 18 per cent and up to 76 per cent in some parts of Canada in 2020, compared to in 2019.

    In a report released last fall, CCS estimated that a six-month interruption in breast cancer and colorectal cancer screening could lead to about .

    These impacts have been seen in clinical settings as well. In June 2022, Canadian doctors reported seeing patients with more advanced stages of cancer than usual, something they attributed to the pandemic’s huge burden on the health-care system.  

    It’s hugely important to get the full answer as quickly as possible if a person is experiencing symptoms that could be cancer, or an initial test shows that it could be a possibility, Dubé said.

    “If your doctor doesn’t propose to do the test, well, ask for it,†he said. “When there's a problem, you have to know.â€

    TURNING TO PRIVATE HEALTH CARE

    In some parts of Canada, the strain on the health-care system has seen panicked patients increasingly turning to private care to avoid wait times, something that experts say should be a wakeup call for governments to properly fund the public system.

    Ontario Premier Doug Ford sparked widespread condemnation from health experts recently for his decision to siphon provincial funding away from hospitals and into private clinics in a bid to deal with backlogs by performing public health services with private providers.

    In a joint statement in January, five major Ontario health-care unions slammed the move, warning it would “further starve our public health-care system of funding and divert front-line staff to enrich private shareholders and diminish access to publicly delivered health care.

    “Patients will for health care under this scheme and should not be misled into believing they will not pay out of pocket.â€

    Dubé said he was thankful he could afford to seek a colonoscopy immediately in the private sector instead of having to wait for four to six months, as it caught the issue before it could expand out of control.

    But he’s aware that paying out of pocket is not an option everyone has.

    He agreed that there are “definitely†patients being left behind when the public system is experiencing such long wait times that the only way to get a diagnosis on the timeline that cancer treatment requires is by paying for it.

    “Obviously, when I paid so much taxes and stuff, I would have liked to do (the test) in the public sector,†he said. The surgery to remove his tumour was done through the public sector.

    “I could afford the exam … but I spent about $1,000. For many people, even if the $1,000 is available, somebody might choose to apply that $1,000 somewhere else, if need be, in the family or anything like that. That’s a big expense.â€

    In the new CCS survey, the most important resource that caregivers reported needing to manage the care for their loved one with cancer was financial support.

    The need to improve care within the public sector, instead of allowing governments to shirk responsibility by getting Canadians pay out of pocket, is something CCS is hoping to address.

    It is holding a letter-writing campaign in the hopes that patients and their loved ones can spur more action from governments. Letters written will be sent to elected officials.

    “As governments, policymakers and administrators shape a health-care system that has capacity to meet rising demands and weather the unexpected, they have a responsibility to ensure that system is designed with people at its core,†Edmonds said in the CCS release.

    CTVNews.ca Top Stories

    Why brain aging can vary dramatically between people

    Researchers are uncovering deeper insights into how the human brain ages and what factors may be tied to healthier cognitive aging, including exercising, avoiding tobacco, speaking a second language or even playing a musical instrument.

    The union representing some 1,200 dockworkers at the Port of Montreal has overwhelmingly rejected a deal with their employers association.

    A man who was critically injured in a police-involved shooting in Hamilton late Sunday afternoon has died in hospital, says the province’s police watchdog.

    Canada

    World

    Politics

    • Murray Sinclair’s family members say the late justice and senator has been laid to rest according to his wishes.

    • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced voters in Cloverdale—Langley City will pick their next member of Parliament on Dec. 16.

    Health

    Sci-Tech

    Entertainment

    Business

    Lifestyle

    Sports

    Autos

    Local Spotlight

    For the second year in a row, the ‘Gift-a-Family’ campaign is hoping to make the holidays happier for children and families in need throughout Barrie.

    Some of the most prolific photographers behind CTV Skywatch Pics of the Day use the medium for fun, therapy, and connection.

    A young family from Codroy Valley, N.L., is happy to be on land and resting with their newborn daughter, Miley, after an overwhelming, yet exciting experience at sea.

    As Connor Nijsse prepared to remove some old drywall during his garage renovation, he feared the worst.

    A group of women in Chester, N.S., has been busy on the weekends making quilts – not for themselves, but for those in need.

    A Vancouver artist whose streetside singing led to a chance encounter with one of the world's biggest musicians is encouraging aspiring performers to try their hand at busking.

    Ten-thousand hand-knit poppies were taken from the Sanctuary Arts Centre and displayed on the fence surrounding the Dartmouth Cenotaph on Monday.

    A Vancouver man is saying goodbye to his nine-to-five and embarking on a road trip from the Canadian Arctic to Antarctica.

    • Weather watchers were treated to an exceptionally rare display on Friday evening as rare cloud formations filled Vancouver skies.

    • For some shoppers it was Nov. 1, but for others the first hints of Christmas - saccharine treats, festive-fragranced candles and gaudily wrapped gift sets - were being noticed in stores long before the final Halloween decor had been cleared.

    • Thousands of people are expected to gather in downtown Vancouver on Monday to observe the city’s 100th Remembrance Day ceremony.

    • Toronto is expected to see an economic boost to the tune of nearly $300 million thanks to Taylor Swift’s upcoming Eras Tour, which will be making a stop in Canada’s largest city for a six-show run later this month.

    • One man was transported to hospital early Monday morning after a stabbing in the northwest end of the city, Toronto police say.

    • A pair of 105-mm howitzers bark constantly as they turn plywood tank targets into kindling kilometres away on the windswept landscape of one of Canada's largest military bases.

    • Two semis were among the vehicles involved in a multi-vehicle crash that brought westbound traffic along Stoney Trail Northwest to a standstill on Sunday.

    • NEW THIS MORNING

      NEW THIS MORNING

      An Ottawa boy with a rare disease will be getting the chance to see Taylor Swift in concert after the winner and organizers of an auction held on his behalf gifted the tickets to him.

    • CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at Remembrance Day ceremonies in Ottawa.

    • After months of controversy surrounding a dog park in Ottawa's west end, a solution has been reached to divide the park in half.

    • The employers association at the Port of Montreal locked out nearly 1,200 longshore workers, bringing a halt to traffic at the port.

    • An elementary school in Greenfield Park on Montreal’s South Shore is closed after it was the target of an alleged arson attack.

    • Though most businesses are expected to be open on Remembrance Day, there are some establishments that will be closed to commemorate the holiday.

    • Monday is Remembrance Day, a time to honour armed forces members who have died in the line of duty.

    • Boasting 2,300 square metres of skating space at its new location, Edmonton's Rollers Roller Rink believes it is the largest in Canada.

    • A Cape Breton senior recalls her life in German-occupied France, and her mother’s death, during the Second World War.

    • It's been a trip to cherish for a group of Canadians visiting Belgium this week to honour the legacy of Indigenous soldiers.

    • A pillar in Canada’s history was honoured in Winnipeg Sunday afternoon, with thousands showing up to pay tribute to the life and legacy of the late Murray Sinclair.

    • Winnipeg police have identified two men involved in a stabbing incident earlier this week.

    • There will be two ceremonies taking place in Regina for Remembrance Day, hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion.

    • Regina author Valerie Crowther is celebrating the release of her book ‘War Letters: Linking Lives in the Second World War.’

    • It was a somber day at Mosaic Stadium as members of the Saskatchewan Roughriders officially cleaned out their stalls and closed the book on the 2024 season.

    • A man has been charged after a stabbing at an apartment building in Kitchener.

    • The Guelph Police Service is putting out a warning after two deaths in the downtown area.

    • Two new tributes to Canada’s veterans have been unveiled at the Elmira Cenotaph.

    • Saskatchewan RCMP are searching for a suspect after a man was seriously injured in a farm-related incident in Montreal Lake.

    • It was a somber day at Mosaic Stadium as members of the Saskatchewan Roughriders officially cleaned out their stalls and closed the book on the 2024 season.

    • The Regina Rams claimed the Hardy Cup after a hard fought battle against the Saskatoon Huskies 19-14 on Saturday in the first all Saskatchewan U-Sports western conference final since 2002.

    • Emergency crews responded to the scene on Road 68/Highway 2 east of Thamesford around 7 p.m.

    • On Friday, the Sarnia Police Service (SPS) received a report of an alleged abduction in the area of Kathleen Avenue and Walnut Avenue.

    • 11 AM:WATCH LIVE

      11 AM:WATCH LIVE

      The events will start at 10:15 a.m. with a parade that forms up in front of the Delta London Armories, marches east on Dundas Street and turns north onto Waterloo Street to Dufferin Avenue, the west to the Cenotaph.

    • A group of former NHL players faced off against York Regional Police officers in Newmarket Sunday afternoon to raise funds for Special Olympics programs across the province.

    • A driver is facing multiple charges after a multi-vehicle collision on Highway 400 early Sunday morning.

    • The agreed statement of facts was read to the court on Friday in the case of Alex Williams, the 24-year-old jail guard charged last fall with smuggling cannabis and tobacco into Central North Correctional Centre in Penetanguishene.

    • 11 AM:WATCH LIVE

      11 AM:WATCH LIVE

      Representatives of the Windsor Veterans Memorial Services Committee, military representatives, wreath bearers, government officials, and members of the public will attend the Cenotaph at City Hall Square for the outdoor service.

    • One person has been arrested after Chatham-Kent Police Service (CKPS) received multiple complaints about an alleged drunk driver.

    • More details have been released about a police investigation at the Ambassador Bridge that connects Windsor, Ont. and Detroit, MI.

    • Environment Canada says heavy rain and winds could cause power outages on Vancouver Island as an "intense" storm system is set to hit the B.C. coast Sunday.

    • Six deer were struck by vehicles in six different locations in a six-hour period on B.C. highways on Saturday, according to the transportation ministry.

    • The union for locked-out port workers in British Columbia says the BC Maritime Employers Association cut off talks in less than an hour Saturday, refusing to budge on a final offer that the union has so far rejected.

    • The emergency department at South Okanagan General Hospital in Oliver, B.C., will be closed for 31 hours this weekend, the second such closure in a week and the third since the start of November.

    • Police in Kamloops, B.C., are reminding parents and guardians to check their children's Halloween candy after receiving a report of a mother finding a razor blade in one of her daughter's treats.

    • More than two years after Alannah Brown and Douglas Barker were found dead north of Penticton, police are asking for help identifying a vehicle they believe was associated with the crime.

    • The Southern Alberta Recreation Association is officially announcing the Town of Taber as next year’s host for the Southern Alberta Summer Games.

    • The Lethbridge Hurricanes broke open a close game with three goals in the first two minutes of the third period as they defeated the Warriors 7-3 in a game played Friday night in Moose Jaw.

    • There might not a lot snow just yet, but many southern Albertans are still itching to get outdoors.

    • Police have arrested a 15-year-old in connection with a break-in and $50,000 in damage done to the Centennial Arena in Elliot Lake in September.

    • Mayors of the five largest cities in northern Ontario met in North Bay the last two days to discuss a range of critical issues impacting their cities and the region.

    • Residents in the Sault expressed concerns ranging from vandalism to privacy invasions during recent consultations on the city's plan to install automated speed enforcement cameras.

    N.L.

    Shopping Trends

    The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at Â鶹ӰÊÓ. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.

    Stay Connected
    Follow Â鶹ӰÊÓ