Cancer in Quebec: When Will We See More Transparency and Accountability?
Recent data published in Le Journal de Montréal, revealing that Quebecers with cancer have had to wait an average of five months to receive their first treatment since the beginning of the pandemic, has sent a shockwave through public opinion.
Montreal – Monday, November 4, 2024
This distressing figure highlights an alarming reality: despite promises and reforms, the healthcare system continues to impose unacceptable delays on patients. It’s essential to remember that cancer is the leading cause of death in Quebec, and this disease doesn’t wait on a list.
The case of a mother with blood cancer who had to wait nearly eight months to receive care is a heartbreaking example of this slowness. In a context where timely intervention can make all the difference, every day counts in ensuring patient survival, and this directly depends on the swift and effective action of the healthcare system.
Delays
Yet, these figures are not surprising. For a long time, we have been raising the alarm about the growing delays between diagnosis and treatment, especially in the regions. We know the landscape better than anyone, as we support patients through often complex journeys. The data released this week only statistically confirms what we experience daily.
So, who’s responsible? While it’s neither possible nor desirable to assign blame to a single person, the current situation reveals a glaring lack of accountability in our healthcare system.
A few months ago, we urged the Quebec government and Health Minister Christian Dubé to increase transparency and accountability within the new Santé Québec agency, specifically by appointing a Vice-President for Cancer Care. We reaffirm this request with conviction and determination!
Recommendations
This recommendation was part of our brief titled Cancer Can’t Wait: Santé Québec Must Act! (in French), which outlined several recommendations to improve healthcare for cancer patients 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 incorporating some of our recommendations, the government has still not equipped its ambitions with the necessary resources, whether through increased research funding, setting a clear goal to reduce cancer mortality, or establishing measurable, long-term objectives.
Organizations like ours play an essential role within the cancer-fighting ecosystem. By working closely with the Ministry of Health, we have an opportunity to develop practical, tailored solutions that reflect the specific realities of each environment, whether in the regions or urban centers.
Solutions exist, and they need to be heard! Integrating a Vice-President role into Santé Québec represents a major strategic advancement. Inspired by models from other provinces and countries, this addition is critical to implementing our action plan—ambitious and full of hope but requiring adequate resources and strong political commitment to ensure tangible and lasting outcomes for cancer patients and their families.
About the Cancer Research Society
Founded in 1945, the Cancer Research Society (CRS) is one of the only Canadian organizations exclusively dedicated to research into all types of cancer. Since its inception, the CRS has supported thousands of researchers who have made significant advances in cancer prevention, detection and treatment. Thanks to the generosity of partners and donors throughout Canada, the CRS has distributed over $355 million in research grants and scholarships since its creation.
About the Quebec Cancer Foundation
The Quebec Cancer Foundation has, for more than 40 years, dedicated the funds it raises to provide day-to-day support to the thousands of Quebecers suffering from cancer and their loved ones. The Foundation not only boasts the largest accommodations network in the province, but it also offers complementary therapies – in the form of physical well-being and psychological support programs – at its regional centres in Montreal, Quebec City, Sherbrooke, Gatineau, Trois-Rivières and Lévis. The Foundation also makes financial and legal assistance programs available to people with cancer who find themselves in a precarious situation. Its Programme à Felix also provides adapted services to youth between the ages of 15 and 39 who are touched by cancer. Lastly, the Foundation provides an attentive ear, answers questions, and offers comfort via its Info-cancer Services, and this on a province-wide basis.
About PROCURE
Founded in 2003, PROCURE is a charity dedicated to the fight against prostate cancer. It raises awareness, supports and informs those affected by this disease. It promotes and helps fund world-class research.
About Leucan
For more than 45 years, Leucan has been supporting cancer-stricken children and their families from the day of diagnosis through every stage of the disease and its side-effects. As a loyal ally of hundreds of families and thousands of members across Quebec affected by pediatric cancer, the Association provides specific and personalized services delivered by a qualified team with cutting-edge expertise. Leucan also funds clinical research and the Leucan Information Centre.