OTTAWA, ON, March 15, 2021 /CNW/ – It is essential that provinces and territories prioritize cancer patients and their caregivers through the second part of COVID-19 vaccine distribution.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization states that “the aim of Canada‘s pandemic response is to reduce critical sickness and loss of life whereas minimizing societal disruption as a result of of the COVID-19 pandemic.” 225,800 Canadians are recognized with cancer yearly, however this generally shared statistic doesn’t characterize the various extra Canadians who have been recognized in earlier years and are nonetheless present process therapy at this time.
Unfortunately, the pandemic response has inadvertently negatively impacted the lives of cancer patients and survivors. This applies to all cancer patients, and significantly to these with lung cancer, who’re uniquely susceptible to issues in the event that they contract COVID-19 due to their diminished lung operate and immunocompromised methods.
The Canadian Cancer Survivor Network commissioned two Leger surveys on COVID-19 disruption of cancer care in Canada, the newest in December 2020. One of essentially the most startling outcomes recognized cancer affected person and caregiver hesitancy to entry care, with 35 per cent of patients and caregivers selecting to cancel, postpone or keep away from a healthcare service through the pandemic. This included:
- Cancelling or suspending in particular person appointments with their physician.
- Avoiding reserving an appointment with their physician even after they want one.
- Avoiding going to the ER for signs associated to cancer.
- Choosing to cancel or postpone a lab take a look at or diagnostic process for cancer.
- Cancelling visiting a hospital for cancer care.
Clearly, the power of cancer patients to entry healthcare and cancer care stays doubtful, and should lead to worse outcomes, together with later diagnoses and postponed or missed appointments, checks, or therapies. The anxiousness and worry that cancer patients and caregivers are experiencing about contracting COVID-19 will be assuaged by the prioritization of COVID-19 vaccinations of cancer patients and their caregivers in order that they really feel secure after they go to cancer care appointments.
The Canadian Cancer Survivor Network subsequently calls on the National Advisory Committee on Immunization in addition to the provinces and territories to explicitly embrace cancer patients and caregivers in Phase 2 immunization plans.
SOURCE Canadian Cancer Survivor Network
For additional data: For additional data or interviews: Jackie Manthorne, President & CEO, 613-898-1871, [email protected], Conrad Eder, Public Policy Analyst, [email protected]
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