More support needed in B.C. cancer plan for those without family doctors, advocates say
CTV
B.C.’s cancer care plan doesn’t go far enough to address the nearly one million British Columbians without a family doctor who need access to cancer screenings, according to a patient advocacy group and some doctors.
B.C.’s cancer care plan doesn’t go far enough to address the nearly one million British Columbians without a family doctor who need access to cancer screenings, according to a patient advocacy group and some doctors.
Camille Currie, the president and founder of BC Health Care Matters, said she has heard from residents who have tried to access cancer screening programs, o they are not eligible to participate without a family doctor.
“That makes it not at all inclusive and really makes us question the universality of this program,” she said.
In February, the province announced a 10-year plan to expand cancer care for B.C.'s aging and growing population. The provincial government also announced a $440-million investment in improving screening, treatment and research.
"Primary care plays a critical role in encouraging and enabling patients to participate in cancer screening programs,” the province's plan says.
CTV News asked the Ministry of Health where that leaves the hundreds of thousands of residents in the province who don’t have a family doctor.
In an emailed statement in response, a spokesperson said people have several ways to access a cancer screening referral such as going to an urgent or primary care centre, a walk-in clinic, or speaking with a nurse practitioner.
