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January 10, 2000

Unacceptable delays for Canadians requiring radiation cancer treatment
January 10, 2000

EDMONTON, Jan. 10 /CNW/ - At present, many Canadian cancer patients are facing unacceptable delays in receiving radiation therapy, in some cases in excess of 6-9 months. In much of Canada, patients are advised to travel to the United States to receive treatment rather than accept excessive delays in therapy. The Board of Directors of the Canadian Association of Radiation Oncologists (CARO) finds the current situation a cause for concern. Delays in cancer treatment are never good, they add to the psychological stress and, more importantly, may result in a smaller chance for cancer control. Clearly, this situation requires urgent action. The Canadian Association of Provincial Cancer Agencies, the Canadian Cancer Society, and Health Canada have recently created a new body, the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control, with a mandate to create national priorities for cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. CARO welcomes the opportunity to work within this organization to improve cancer treatment services for all Canadians as soon as possible. Progress of this initiative can be followed at www.cancercontrol.org.

For further information:
Dr. Robert Pearcey, MA, MBBS, FRCR, FRCPC
President
Canadian Association of Radiation Oncologists, Cross Cancer Institute
11560 University Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
T8G 1Z2
tel (780) 432-8749
fax (780) 432-8380