By Sarah Klein
A radiologist uses a magnifying glass to check mammograms for breast cancer in Los Angeles, May 6, 2010. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Damian Dovarganes)
The Manitoba government is marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month by highlighting the decrease in wait times patients face for suspected cases of the disease.
“As a survivor, I know how scary it can be to hear a doctor tell you that you might have cancer,” said Health Minister Sharon Blady. “I’m proud that our investments and the hard work of so many people to improve services are paying off in shorter wait times for Manitobans.”
Two-thirds of suspected cancer patients went from suspicion to treatment within 60 days between January 2013 and March 2014 when they went through a cancer hub. The province calls the reduced wait times the IN SIXTY Cancer Patient Journey Initiative.
For breast cancer, 85 percent of patients received treatment within 60 days.
“The data shows that when health-care providers work together on specific cancer pathways, improvements can be made to wait times,” said Dr. Sri Navaratnam, president and chief executive officer, CancerCare Manitoba, and co-chair of the initiative. “Early results are a strong indication that we are on the right track and that wait times will continue to come down.”
