With people in Ontario preparing to observe Movember, a fundraising effort for prostate cancer, Ontario's New Democrats are calling on the province to provide OHIP coverage for the cost of prostate cancer testing.
In Ontario, the cost of a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test is between $30 and $40. At LifeLabs, the cost of the PSA test is $37 said that company's website.
New Democrat MPP Wayne Gates said the Ford Conservatives should mark the month of November by extending OHIP coverage for the PSA test.
“Today is the first day of Movember, where people across the world raise awareness of health issues affecting men, including prostate cancer,” said Gates.
“We know that early prevention and detection of prostate cancer saves lives, yet this government refuses to make this critical tool more available and accessible. Why?” Gates asked.
This is not the first time Gates has raised the issue. In November 2022, Gates tabled a private member’s motion to extend OHIP coverage for PSA testing when prescribed by a doctor — this motion was also previously tabled in 2019 and 2020. The latest version of this motion was voted down by the Conservative government, said a news release.
“We have an opportunity to take action, save lives, and use a common sense solution right now that would protect our fathers, brothers, friends, and loved ones from one of the most common cancers in those with prostates,” said Gates.
“Ontario should be leading the way in healthcare services, but right now we lag far behind the rest of the country. This Movember, let’s take action together”, said Gates.
Currently in Canada, eight provinces and three territories provide medical insurance coverage for the PSA diagnostic test. With Gates’ motion, Ontario could immediately do the same, said the news release.
Len Gillis covers health care and mining for Sudbury.com.
