CANA’s survey of 300 Quebecers living with cancer highlighted the long wait times respondents experienced. The study, supported by Coalition Priorité au Québec and conducted by Léger, found that more than half of Quebecers living with cancer wait on average 3-5 months for their first treatment. The survey also revealed that despite the wait, the vast majority of respondents were satisfied with the healthcare system when it comes to managing their cancer, from initial consultation before diagnosis through to follow-up and treatment. 

Jessy Ranger, Myeloma Canada’s Director, Patient Programs, Health Policy & Advocacy, as quoted in noovo.info and msn.com, goes on to explain how wait times have real impact on the lives of Quebecers with cancer: 

“The longer the wait, the more the illness progresses. That’s why it’s important to intervene as early as possible, to ensure that the disease doesn’t progress and that there are more treatment options available. We’re talking about an average of three to five months, but there are cases that take much longer. When we’re talking about several months up to a year, we can go from one stage to another, and that changes the patient’s journey a great deal.” 

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