By Sarah Klein
Health Minister Theresa Oswald (CHRISD.CA FILE)
A new program at CancerCare Manitoba will diagnose and treat cancer sooner, the province announced Wednesday.
The program is part of the province’s Cancer Patient Journey Initiative, helping to reduce the time from suspicion of cancer to first treatment to 60 days or less.
“The Manitoba government is committed to ensuring all Manitobans dealing with cancer get the help they need when they need it most,” said Health Minister Theresa Oswald.
“The First Nations, Metis and Inuit Cancer Control Program increases access to diagnosis, treatment and support for all Manitobans facing barriers to cancer services, resulting in less stress and worry for patients and their families.”
The program will also reach out to new Canadians and other populations who face challenges in accessing cancer services due to factors such as language, geography or lack of knowledge about cancer screening, prevention and care options, Oswald said.
More than 6,000 Manitobans are diagnosed with cancer every year, while up to 10 times that number are suspected of having cancer and undergo testing before it is ruled out.
