YOUR PERSPECTIVE: B.C. cancer care collapses
B.C.’s cancer care system used to be recognized as one of the best in the world, but now it is among the worst in the country. The recent announcement from the government that it will be sending cancer patients to Washington State is a stunning admission of the dire state of B.C. health care.
This news strikes a lot of concern for many British Columbians, particularly those in rural areas who already face numerous challenges accessing quality healthcare. There is a lack of information regarding the specific arrangements for individuals residing hours away from their local cancer centre, including potential compensation for their travel to and from the centre. The announcement made by the government has raised more uncertainties instead of providing clarity, further intensifying people’s anxiety during the already stressful waiting period for cancer treatment.
The government’s announcement is a step in the right direction to provide more residents of British Columbia with prompter access to vital treatment. However, it is alarming that the government must resort to sending these patients across national borders to receive the care they should rightfully receive within B.C. Just envision undergoing radiation treatment in a foreign country, far away from the familiar comforts and assistance of your own support network. It is simply unacceptable that this is the reality.
There was a recent data leak that clearly shows the extent of this crisis is worse than previously imagined, as cancer care wait times in B.C. are among the worst in the country by multiple key measures. For example, only 20 per cent of cancer patients referred to an oncologist are seen within the recommended two weeks. Additionally, the mean wait time for a first consultation with an oncologist has increased to 43 days, a 43 per cent increase in the first few months of 2023.
