Web-based Report Shows Ontarians Receiving Faster and Safer Cancer Services

Action needed on alcohol consumption, sun safety and rising Aboriginal cancer rates

TORONTO, May 8 – Results of the 2008 Cancer System Quality Index show that key cancer services in Ontario are more accessible, timely and safe, while additional effort is needed to raise screening rates and address the needs of Aboriginals and other underserved communities. Ontarians need to take steps to reduce their risk of cancer including alcohol consumption, sun exposure and smoking. According to this web site on Ontario’s cancer system performance, wait times for radiation and cancer surgery continue to decrease, and despite fast rising demand for cancer drugs, chemotherapy wait times remain stable. The quality and safety of cancer services also continue to improve as more cancer drugs are ordered and managed electronically and more services are being delivered according to evidence-based quality standards.

“The overall quality of the cancer system is good with most measures showing improvement year-over-year,” said Michael Decter, Chair, Cancer Quality Council of Ontario. “There are however, areas where we need to improve: far too few people are being screened for cancer, obesity rates are rising, Ontarians are drinking more alcohol than recommended, and are spending too much unprotected time in the sun.”

About half of all cancer deaths are related to tobacco, diet and physical activity. The report shows that fewer Ontarians are smoking and more are physically active and are eating enough fruits and vegetables, but still falling below targets for these cancer-related lifestyle factors. The report also shows that First Nations colorectal and lung cancer rates exceed and are rising faster than rates for Ontario overall.

“The Index allows us to evaluate progress and shine a light on where we need to improve,” says Terrence Sullivan, PhD, President and CEO, Cancer Care Ontario. “Cancer Care Ontario together with our partners will step up efforts to promote healthy living, boost screening rates and ensure that high quality and safe cancer services are available everywhere in the province.”

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For further information: Jennifer Obeid, Sr. Manager of Media Relations, Cancer Care Ontario, t: (416) 971-9800 ext. 3383, c: (416) 917-8951, email: jennifer.obeid@cancercare.on.ca, www.cancercare.on.ca