Breaking Down Barriers To Cancer Care For All Canadians

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 31 Oct 2007 - 2:00 PDT

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Coping with cancer is difficult for even the strongest of us and it can be even more challenging for non-English speaking patients who face barriers in accessing cancer care.

"Working to eradicate language barriers for Chinese-speaking patients, especially in cancer services, is one of the many ways we are working to improve access to health services in British Columbia," said Burnaby North MLA Richard T. Lee on behalf of Health Minister George Abbott. "Language, culture, race and socio-economic factors are all barriers we are working to remove."

"Through clinical practice and recent research, we know that many Chinese cancer patients and their families face language barriers in obtaining the information and supportive care they need," says Sandy Kwong, a BC Cancer Agency oncology social worker. "We also know that this community is eager to receive peer support through a formal channel for education, information and exchange."

The barriers faced by the Chinese community in accessing cancer care are just one of many topics that will be addressed at A National Forum on Cancer Care for All Canadians - the first national forum of its kind hosted by the BC Cancer Agency, University of British Columbia and the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer from November 1 to 3.

This forum brings together health care professionals, leaders from all levels of government, academia, and community organizations from across Canada to identify strategies to ensure that all Canadians have equitable access to cancer care, irrespective of language, geography, culture, race, or other cultural or socio-economical factors.

"What's really exciting about this national forum is that we're not just focusing on the problems - what we plan to do is to identify solutions," says Dr. Maria Cristina Barroetavena, BC Cancer Agency researcher and chair of the forum's planning committee. "We will create an action plan that will help underserved communities from across Canada, such as aboriginals, immigrants, and those living in rural and remote areas, get access to quality cancer care."

A highlight at the forum is a presentation entitled "From Research into Practice: The Evolution of Support Services for Chinese Cancer Patient," where Kwong will explain the steps the BC Cancer Agency has taken to help Chinese patients overcome language barriers in obtaining counselling and support.

This includes the recent launch of a new resource guide for Chinese cancer patients - the first of its kind in B.C. - written in both English and Chinese. The resource guide provides information on cancer treatment, emotional support, financial assistance, homecare, meal services, and childcare support. Kwong also created a Cantonese support group for patients and their families, which has been well attended by up to 35 participants each month since its inception in late 2006.

Other highlights at the forum include:

- Official launch of the forum by Dr. Simon Sutcliffe, BC Cancer Agency President and Vice-Chair of Canadian Partnership Against Cancer and Jeff Lozon, Chair of Canadian Partnership Against Cancer

- "Partnering with First Nations Communities - A First Nations Cancer Strategy is not a Separate Road": presentation by Dr. Evan Adams, Aboriginal Health Physician Advisor.

The forum is made possible with support from the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, Province of British Columbia, Canadian Cancer Society BC/Yukon Chapter, Fraser Health Authority, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, and Ortho BioTech.

More information on the forum can be found at: http://www.interprofessional.ubc.ca.

The BC Cancer Agency, an Agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer, and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. The BC Cancer Foundation raises funds to support research and enhancements to patient care at the BC Cancer Agency.

The Faculty of Medicine at UBC provides innovative programs in the health and life sciences, teaching students at the undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels, and generates more than $200 million in research funding each year.

The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer is a new independent corporation funded by the federal government. It is the first body to bring together patient survivors, cancer experts and government representatives from across the country to lead the implementation of a Canadian cancer strategy. The Partnership was announced in late 2006 by Prime Minister Stephen Harper. It will oversee implementation of initiatives that will ensure Canadians share a population-based cancer control program that will improve outcomes from coast to coast.

http://www.bccancer.bc.ca

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