Extended wait for cancer test results stressful for northern Ont. woman – CTV
Dec. 8, 2022
Linda Luyt, a survivor of endometrial cancer, receives an annual Pap test to ensure she’s still cancer-free.
But now, results that usually take between three to six weeks are taking much longer – adding stress that she doesn’t need.
“The Pap test is the only definitive way to find out if my cancer has come back,” Luyt said.
“So if it’s taking four to six months to get those results, I’m looking at February or March to find out if I’m still cancer-free.”
She said the Ontario Ministry of Health needs to create clear guidelines for laboratories to follow for cases such as hers.
“Things have to change in women’s health,” Luyt said.
“It’s not fair to women and it’s not even fair to their doctors to be put on the spot where they can’t even treat patients who have a problem … in a timely fashion.”
