Canada faces calls for modernized cancer screening and coordinated care

New survey data and expert opinions highlight a growing demand for modernized cancer screening and more coordinated care across Canada. Breast Cancer Canada reports that Canadians identify significant gaps in the patient journey, ranging from initial screening and diagnosis to treatment and survivorship.

Key findings from the national survey include 82% support for a single national standard guaranteeing breast screening starting at age 40, and 94% support for public access to innovative detection technologies like liquid biopsy. Additionally, 75% of respondents favor a coordinated national treatment framework to address regional disparities in care.

Concerns have also been raised regarding outdated national screening guidelines. Some recommendations have not been updated in over a decade, failing to reflect advancements in medical research and technology. For example, prostate cancer guidance has not been updated since 2014, impacting the availability of PSA testing in provinces like Ontario and British Columbia. Advocates are calling on the National Advisory Committee on Preventive Health Services to prioritize the timely review of these guidelines to improve early detection and patient outcomes.