Northern cancer system performing well

The cancer care system in northeastern Ontario continues to perform well in providing cancer services, according to the annual Cancer System Quality Index (CSQI) Report released May 17 by the Cancer Quality Council of Ontario.

According to this year’s report, the northeast region is a strong performer in several areas of cancer care.

Access time from diagnosis to chemotherapy for early stage breast cancer is the best in the province.

The Northeast Cancer Centre and partner site at Sault Area Hospital also achieved a 100-per-cent use of Intensity Modulated Radiation Treatment for breast cancer patients, which uses computerized planning and advanced linear accelerators to maximize radiation dosage while minimizing side effects.

The Northeast Cancer Centre and partner hospitals also received high marks for the patient experience with outpatient care, and patient participation in a symptom self-assessment initiative designed to assist a patient’s care team in managing symptoms, according to a press release.

“We’re very pleased with the overall results of this year’s report,” Mark Hartman, Health Sciences North's vice-president of diagnostic imaging and cancer services, said in the press release.

“This report demonstrates cancer patients in northeastern Ontario are receiving some of the best care in the province, and identifies areas in which we can improve our care to patients.”

According to the report, participation rates for colonoscopy and integrated cancer screening are below provincial benchmarks.

The Northeast Cancer Centre is developing a colorectal diagnostic assessment program to improve access to colonoscopies for people following initial screening or with a family history of colon cancer.

The 2012 CSQI measures a total of 32 indicators.

Visit www.csqi.on.ca to view all the indicators and this year’s full report.