2024-09-13 00:44:19
Quebec is launching the new 2024-2026 action plan for the Quebec Cancer Program, focusing in particular on better access to screening, Le Devoir learned Thursday. This is a repeated request from organizations that work with patients suffering from these diseases.
In 2023, approximately 67,500 new cases of cancer were recorded in Quebec, an increase of 12,000 compared to 2015, the document states. However, the mortality rate due to these diseases has been decreasing in recent years. “As a result, more people are living with cancer. This reality, combined with the anticipated aging of the population in the coming years, is expected to put enormous pressure on the health system,” it writes.
Health Minister Christian Dubé has signed this plan, which is structured around eight axes, including one on the need to carry out early detection of cancers in all regions. To do this, he intends to support the establishment of a wider range of services for screening for these diseases through CLSCs, Family Medicine Groups (GMF) and local service points.
With this action, the Legault government aims in particular to achieve a colorectal cancer screening coverage rate of 42% by March 31, 2026. Since last February, Quebecers have been able to get screened for this type of cancer at vaccination centres that were set up during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously, you had to have a prescription or a request from a family doctor to have access to this test.
Minister Dubé also wants to allow Quebec women to benefit from “more accurate” cervical cancer screening. By December 31, 2025, he wants to make the human papillomavirus detection test available in all regions, replacing the Pap test. This deployment, which is being done gradually, has already been underway since the fall of 2023.
Quebec also plans to assess the relevance of integrating women aged 40 to 49 into the Quebec Breast Cancer Screening Program. It will take a position after receiving the opinion of the Institut national d’excellence en santé et en services sociaux, which was mandated by the government to study the issue. Currently, the program instead sends a letter allowing Quebec women aged 50 to 74 to obtain an appointment for a mammogram.
As for the cost of the action plan, Minister Dubé’s office indicates that the investments necessary to carry out the actions are already planned in the budget of the Quebec Cancer Program.
“Concrete actions” expected
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It’s a “good plan” that fits with the vision of the Canadian Cancer Society, says David Raynaud, senior manager in the organization’s public interest advocacy team.
“We are particularly pleased to see the inclusion of prevention in the plan’s axes. This is something new,” he emphasized in an interview with Le Devoir.
The document, among other things, discusses deploying information and awareness campaigns on the environmental risks associated with the development of certain cancers, such as exposure to radon.
Mr. Raynaud hopes, however, to see “concrete measures” come out of this action plan. In particular, he would like to see the establishment of an organized screening program for colorectal cancer. Eligible people would then receive a letter allowing them to obtain an appointment to be screened.
Right now, the burden falls on citizens, who must find out about screening, argues David Raynaud. “With a program that sends invitations, we estimate that there would be a greater number of people who could participate.”
He is pleased that Quebec intends to collect more precise data in cancerology. For example, one of the actions of the plan is to support local cancer registries of health institutions so that they transmit to the Quebec Cancer Registry preliminary information on new cases that they detect within six months of diagnosis.
Having this type of information is “the basis of everything when making public decisions,” says David Raynaud. “When we look at what is happening in the territory, it takes data. The faster we have it, the better we can realign services.”
The eight axes of the action plan
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What are the key objectives of the 2024-2026 Action Plan for the Quebec Cancer Program?
Quebec Launches 2024-2026 Action Plan for Cancer Program: A Comprehensive Approach to Cancer Screening and Prevention
On September 13, 2024, the Quebec government announced the launch of its new 2024-2026 action plan for the Quebec Cancer Program, focusing on better access to screening and prevention measures to combat the growing number of cancer cases in the province.
The Rising Burden of Cancer in Quebec
According to the latest statistics, approximately 67,500 new cases of cancer were recorded in Quebec in 2023, marking a 12,000-case increase since 2015 [[1]]. While the mortality rate due to cancer has been decreasing in recent years, the number of people living with cancer is expected to put enormous pressure on the health system, particularly with the anticipated aging of the population in the coming years.
Eight Axes of the Action Plan
The action plan, signed by Health Minister Christian Dubé, is structured around eight axes, including early detection of cancers in all regions. To achieve this, the government plans to support the establishment of a wider range of services for screening through CLSCs, Family
Quebec Launches 2024-2026 Action Plan for Cancer Program: Focusing on Better Access to Screening
The Quebec government has launched a new action plan for its Cancer Program, with a focus on improving access to cancer screening services. This plan, which will be implemented from 2024 to 2026, aims to address the growing need for cancer care in the province. In 2023, approximately 67,500 new cases of cancer were recorded in Quebec, an increase of 12,000 compared to 2015 [[1]]. Although the mortality rate due to cancer has been decreasing in recent years, the number of people living with cancer is expected to put enormous pressure on the health system in the coming years.
Eight Axes of the Action Plan
The action plan, signed by Health Minister Christian Dubé, is structured around eight axes. One of the key objectives is to improve early detection of cancers in all regions. To achieve this, the government plans to support the establishment of a wider range of services for screening through CLSCs, Family Medicine Groups (GMF), and local service points.
Improving Colorectal Cancer Screening
One of the specific goals of the action plan is to achieve a colorectal cancer screening coverage rate of 42% by March 31, 2026. To facilitate this, Quebecers have been able to get screened for this type of cancer at vaccination centers set up during the COVID-19 pandemic since last February. Previously, a prescription or a request from a family doctor was required to access this test.
Enhancing Cervical Cancer Screening
Another key objective is to allow Quebec women to benefit from more accurate cervical cancer screening. By December 31, 2025, the government plans to make the human papillomavirus detection test available in all regions, replacing the Pap test. This deployment has already been underway since the fall of 2023.
Expanding Breast Cancer Screening Program
Quebec also plans to assess the relevance of integrating women aged 40 to 49 into the Quebec Breast Cancer Screening Program [[2]]. Currently, the program sends a letter allowing Quebec women aged 50 to 74 to obtain an appointment for a mammogram. The government will take a position on this issue after receiving the opinion of the Institut national d’excellence en santé et en services sociaux, which was mandated to study the issue.
Supporting Cancer Patients and Their Families
In addition to improving access to screening services, the action plan also aims to support cancer patients and their families. Organizations such as the Canadian Cancer Society [[3]]offer nationwide support systems for people with cancer, including free programs and services to help manage the disease.
Cost of the Action Plan
According to Minister Dubé’s office, the investments necessary to carry out the actions outlined in the plan are already planned in the budget of the Quebec Cancer Program.
Conclusion
The 2024-2026 action plan for the Quebec Cancer Program is a significant step forward in addressing the growing need for cancer care in the province. By improving access to screening services, supporting cancer patients and their families, and investing in the health system, the government aims to reduce the burden of cancer on individuals and the healthcare system as a whole.
