Quebecers suffering from cancer since the pandemic had to wait an average of five months before getting their first treatment, according to a new survey.
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“Cancer doesn’t wait. He is not waiting for the end of the pandemic and he is not waiting for the bureaucracy,” denounces Eva Villalba, general director of Coalition Priorité Cancer.
The survey by the Léger firm, for the organizations Act Against Cancer Now and the Coalition Priorité Cancer, was conducted among 300 Quebecers suffering from cancer.
On average, respondents reported that it took about five months (21.9 weeks) between the time they wanted to see a doctor and the start of treatment for their cancer.
However, almost a third of the patients surveyed (28%) waited more than 20 weeks.
From diagnosis to treatment, the survey reported an average wait of five weeks, but with 36% of respondents exceeding this time frame.
Photo provided by EVA VILLALBA
According to Mme Villalba, these figures reveal the long wait that weighs on patients, while the prognosis for recovery from cancer depends, in particular, on its progression and the speed of obtaining care.
Forced to move
The Priorité Cancer Coalition is also saddened that 40% of patients noted having needed to travel far from their home to obtain a diagnosis, carry out follow-ups or receive treatments.
“Everyone pays the same taxes and our care should not depend on our postal code,” says Mme Villalba.
While she understands that access to advanced care will remain concentrated in hospitals in Quebec or Montreal, she believes that Quebec should do more to make certain treatments accessible in the regions or pay out sums to facilitate the movement of patients.
56 day target
The Department of Health and Human Services aims to operate on cancer patients in 56 days (8 weeks) or less. But, according to its own data, more than 800 Quebecers are currently exceeding this deadline.
Eva Villalba fears delays will get worse as budget cuts threaten health care facilities.
Care pathway
On average, the patients surveyed indicated that they had waited four months (16.7 weeks) between the moment they wanted to consult and their diagnosis.
- 27% of respondents waited 5 to 8 weeks; and 18%, more than 20 weeks.
On average, the wait was more than five months (21.9 weeks) between the moment they wanted to consult and the start of cancer treatments.
- 17% of respondents waited 5 to 8 weeks; and 28%, more than 20 weeks.
From diagnosis to treatment, the survey shows an average expectation of 5 weeksbut with 36% of respondents exceeding this deadline.
No less than 15% of patients used a private clinic for the diagnosis or treatment of their cancer, mainly due to long delays (39%).
The web survey was conducted among 300 Quebecers aged 18 and over who had been diagnosed with cancer during or after the COVID-19 pandemic. Data was collected from August 15 to 24, 2024.
Source: Leger Survey
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