Recent data published in The Montreal Journalrevealing that Quebecers suffering from cancer had to wait an average of five months before obtaining their first treatment since the start of the pandemic, caused a shock in public opinion.
This overwhelming figure highlights an alarming reality: despite promises and reforms, the health system continues to impose unacceptable delays on patients. It is essential to remember that cancer is the main cause of death in Quebec and that the disease does not wait on a waiting list.
The case of a mother suffering from blood cancer, who had to wait almost eight months to receive care, is a heartbreaking example of this slowness. In a context where the speed of intervention can make all the difference, every day counts to ensure the survival of patients and this directly depends on the rapid and effective action of the health system.
Time limit
However, these figures are not a surprise. For a long time, we have been sounding the alarm about the explosion of delays between diagnosis and treatment, particularly in the regions. We know the terrain better than anyone, because we support patients through an often complex journey. The data revealed this week are only statistical confirmation of what we experience on a daily basis.
So, whose fault is it? Although it is neither possible nor desirable to impose responsibility for these delays on a single person, the current situation demonstrates a flagrant lack of accountability in our health system.
A few months ago, we urged the government of Quebec and the Minister of Health, Christian Dubé, on the importance of greater transparency and accountability of the new Santé Québec agency, emphasizing in particular the need to appoint a person at the vice-president of the fight against cancer. We reaffirm this request with conviction and determination!
Recommendations
This recommendation was part of our brief entitled Cancer does not wait: the future Santé Québec agency must act! which listed several recommendations to improve health care for people with cancer in Quebec. Since then, the government has unveiled its 2024-2026 cancer action plan.
Although this plan represents a step in the right direction by integrating some of our recommendations, the government has still not provided its ambitions with the necessary means, whether through increased investments in research, the setting of a clear objective of reduction in cancer-related mortality, or the establishment of measurable long-term goals.
Organizations like ours play a vital role in the cancer fight ecosystem. By working closely with the Ministry of Health, we have the opportunity to develop pragmatic and personalized solutions, taking into account the specific realities of each environment, whether regional or urban centers.
Solutions exist, we must hear them! The integration of a vice-presidency at the Agence de Santé Québec represents a major strategic step forward. Inspired by the model of other provinces and countries, this addition is fundamental for the implementation of our action plan, ambitious and hopeful, but which requires support through adequate resources and strong political will in order to ensure concrete and lasting benefits for cancer patients and their loved ones.
Photo provided is the logo
Marco Décelles, general director of the Quebec Cancer Foundation
Juli Meilleur, general director of Leucan
Manon Pepin, President and CEO of the Cancer Research Society
Laurent Proulx, President and CEO of PROCURE
