Cancer Patients Caught in Surgery Backlog
Many Canadian cancer patients are experiencing fear and frustration due to the massive backlog of surgeries throughout the national healthcare system. To them, it seems as if the system is only focusing on COVID illnesses, and leaving their critical conditions untreated.
One patient began experiencing difficulty breathing in August 2019. He had to wait until May 2020 to get a CT Scan. The scan revealed a sizeable tumour in his throat that cut off nearly 80% of his airway. Although he was designated as a Priority 1 patient, (any condition in which failure to diagnose and initiate treatment would result in serious morbidity/mortality) he was forced to wait three more months for a biopsy. Had the tumour been malignant, the wait for surgery might have killed him.
Ontario’s surgery backlog is estimated at more than 257,000 cases and growing. The affected surgeries range from minor procedures to some cancer resections. Thousands of Ontarians are waiting for various appointments, leaving patients doubting if the province can ever catch up.
From March 15, 2020, to May 2, 2021, there were 232,574 fewer surgeries carried out overall than during the same period pre-pandemic. There were 6,225 fewer adult oncology surgeries. From January 1, 2021, to April 30, there were 42,052 fewer surgeries completed than during the same period in 2019.
Although the Ontario government pledged $300 million in its 2021 budget to help reduce the surgical backlog, the backlog presents a massive task for health care workers, already under incredible strain.
“Cancer care must be timely, said Gino Stirpe, Director of VUMI® Canada. “Unfortunately, many of these crucial timelines are not being met across this country. People facing a cancer diagnosis are already terrified and overwhelmed. They need immediate treatment and continuing care.”
“As the pandemic continues to impact our hospitals,” Stirpe comments, “We’re seeing people looking to expand their health care options locally and worldwide in case they might one day be faced with a health crisis. Our Prestige VIP plan allows Canadians to protect themselves and their families.
Sources: Fear and frustration for cancer patients caught in Ontario’s surgery backlog. Ellen Mauro, CBC Radio
