On behalf of the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network (CCSN), Leger conducted a Canada-wide survey of Canadians diagnosed with cancer, caregivers of cancer patients and Canadians pre-diagnosed with cancer from June 10 to July 4, 2021. This is the third edition of this study.
The objective of this research is to assess the extent to which the disruption of cancer care caused by COVID-19 is impacting cancer patients and caregivers from an emotional and physical wellness perspective.
As noted in the CCSN press release, some of the key findings include:
- Eighteen months after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, half of cancer patients across Canada report their cancer care appointments are cancelled, postponed, or rescheduled, while six in 10recently diagnosed patients and seven in 10 patients with metastatic cancer report their cancer care appointments are cancelled, postponed, or rescheduled.
- On average, it takes 28 days to reschedule cancer care appointments and 44 days to reschedule procedures or surgeries. Moreover, one third of patients report they still do not have a rescheduled appointment or date for surgery.
- Delays in appointments and treatments continue to impact patients and caregivers, with nearly 70 per cent reporting these delays were having a major impact on their emotional and mental health.
“Across Canada, we have all witnessed the physical, psychological, and financial impact of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic over the past 18 months,” says Jackie Manthorne, President and CEO of the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network. “For those Canadians facing cancer, the impact is even greater.”
“Cancer can’t wait. It can’t be cancelled or postponed,” declares Manthorne. “The pandemic cannot continue to delay diagnoses, tests, treatments and care that will help save cancer patients’ lives. As COVID-19 continues, so too must cancer care.”
