Increased funding improves access to cancer care

Patients will have better access to cancer care thanks to a $12 million provincial funding increase that brings the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency's overall budget to $150.7 million.

"This investment in safe, quality cancer care, research, prevention, and early detection programs moves us closer to our goal of a better quality of life for all Saskatchewan people," Health Minister Dustin Duncan said. "Our government and our health partners are working to provide the very best cancer care possible, meeting the needs of patients and their families throughout this growing province."

"We are pleased with the continued support for cancer care and programs in Saskatchewan," Saskatchewan Cancer Agency CEO Scott Livingstone said. "This level of funding allows us to build on several years of improved safety, access to services, and patient and family experiences."

The increased funding allows the Cancer Agency to continue improvements that consecutive budget increases in past years made possible:

Improved access to early detection through programs like the Screening Program for Colorectal Cancer which was extended province-wide in February;

Shorter waits for patients needing chemotherapy, radiation therapy and mammograms;

Expansion of an integrated hematology program providing in-province service for patients needing stem cell transplants, reducing the need to send patients to other provinces;

Meet the rising demand for diagnostic and treatment services, especially cancer drugs.

Recruitment and retention of oncologists and other care providers.

The Cancer Agency, working with health regions, provides approximately 26,000 chemotherapy treatments, 30,000 radiation therapy treatment sessions, 37,000 mammograms, and about 6,500 new patient referrals at the cancer centres in Saskatoon and Regina during the year. The Cancer Agency covers 100 per cent of the cost of drugs approved for cancer treatment.

In addition to the increased funding for the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, the province also committed $3.7 million for the operation of a PET-CT (Positron Emission Tomography - Computerized Tomography) scanner at Saskatoon's Royal University Hospital. Saskatchewan cancer patients needing PET scans are currently sent to Edmonton or Winnipeg for the diagnostic procedure. The scanner will be operational later this spring.

"Offering PET scans in Saskatchewan is an example of how we are putting patients first," Duncan said. "By bringing care closer to home, patients are able to have the continued support of family and friends during their care and treatment."