New Oncologist Survey Reveals Gaps in Care for Canadians Living with
Metastatic Cancer

OTTAWA, Oct. 13 /CNW/ - To mark Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, the Canadian Breast Cancer Network (CBCN) has unveiled new insights into the challenges facing Canadians living with advanced, or metastatic, cancer. A survey of Canadian medical oncologists reveals that many Canadians living with metastatic cancer, including breast cancer, lack both knowledge and resources, and face barriers to accessing treatment options due to cost and gaps in government funding.

The survey (available at www.cbcn.ca) identifies cost and current government funding decisions as barriers to treatment for Canadians living with metastatic cancer. In fact, seven out of 10 oncologists (73 per cent) say that the cost of specific treatments and current government funding decisions impact which treatment they recommend for their patients, restricting their ability to provide their patients with all available treatment options.

"Awareness of available treatments may be governed by the type of drug coverage a patient has, as the majority of oncologists (66 per cent) say they would never suggest a non-publicly funded treatment to a patient knowing that they do not have access to private coverage or adequate personal finances," said Dianne Hartling, Treasurer of CBCN's Board of Directors. "This puts our oncologists in a very difficult position, and raises concerns that Canadians living with metastatic cancer may not be aware of all available treatments."

More than half of oncologists surveyed (56 per cent) have recommended a treatment option before discovering that their patient does not have access to coverage or sufficient finances to cover the costs. To access treatment that is not publicly funded, oncologists say their patients with metastatic cancer have explored clinical trials (83 per cent), undertaken fundraising efforts (39 per cent), asked for loans (17 per cent), cashed RSPs (15 per cent), returned to work (10 per cent) or mortgaged their houses (10 per cent). 

Nine in 10 (93 per cent) oncologists say progression-free survival, or the time a patient lives without their disease progressing, is important to the emotional well-being of patients diagnosed with metastatic cancer and eight in 10 (83 per cent) believe that progression-free survival should be considered when making reimbursement decisions for metastatic cancer treatments.  Newer, targeted biologic therapies provide new hope to patients, and nearly all oncologists surveyed (95 per cent) say access to targeted biologic therapies improves their ability to treat metastatic cancer. 

"I have been living with metastatic breast cancer for seven years, and know firsthand how important it is to have access to a range of treatment options," said Ms. Hartling. "Effective treatments have helped me manage my cancer and lead a productive life.  I have also benefited from the support of patient groups like CBCN, though unfortunately, this isn't the case for all women living with metastatic breast cancer, as the oncologists we spoke with identified a significant gap in support and resources."

According to the oncologists surveyed, more than half (54 per cent) believe patients lack access to adequate support and resources, and nearly half (46 per cent) of the medical oncologists surveyed reported that metastatic cancer patients lacked knowledge about metastatic cancer prior to being diagnosed. However, 61 per cent said that once their patients are diagnosed with metastatic cancer, they take on a proactive role in gathering information to help them make decisions about their treatment.

To provide additional resources for women living with metastatic breast cancer, CBCN recently held a workshop to help identify gaps in resources for this unique population. Following the workshop, CBCN launched a video and published a report to capture the findings and put a face to metastatic breast cancer. Both are available on CBCN's website at www.cbcn.ca.

Additional survey findings

• Most oncologists (68 per cent) said their patients describe the value of delaying the progression of their cancer as being able to spend more time with family and friends. 
• The majority of oncologists say that delaying disease progression gives their patients a feeling of greater independence and the ability to do everyday activities, like shopping and household activities (54 per cent).

About metastatic breast cancer

Metastatic breast cancer, stage IV, or advanced breast cancer, occurs when cancer cells travel from the original site of the cancer to other parts of the body.  Women living with metastatic breast cancer often report feelings of isolation from the broader breast cancer community.

About the survey and methodology

The survey of 41 medical oncologists from across Canada was conducted by Leger Marketing between July 23 and September 17, 2010.

About the CBCN

The Canadian Breast Cancer Network is the national survivor-driven and survivor-focused organization that exists to voice the views and opinions of breast cancer survivors and to promote the improvement of services as a strong advocate for access to optimal care for breast cancer patients.

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