Cancer rates continue to fall in Canada, according to a new study, but as thousands of Canadians are expected to be diagnosed with the disease this year, there are calls for more investment and support in the country.
Estimates published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) on Monday show that there will be approximately 233,900 new cancers and 85,100 cancer deaths in Canada in 2022.
This is a slight increase from last year’s estimates due to a growing and aging population, the researchers said.
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The study was conducted by the Canadian Cancer Society, Statistics Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Overall, lung cancer is expected to be the most commonly diagnosed and leading cause of cancer deaths, accounting for a quarter of all cancer deaths in the country this year.
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Increased tobacco use over the past few decades has contributed to this, said Elizabeth Holmes, senior manager of health policy at the Canadian Cancer Society and author of the study.
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The most common diagnosis of cancer in women is expected to be breast cancer, with about one in four cancer diagnoses, and in men prostate cancer, accounting for about one in five new cases.
Although there has been progress in treatment in recent years, more needs to be done to reduce cancer and deaths, Holmes said.
“We really call for this continued investment and support in these innovative research studies to improve treatment and early detection … to increase the uptake and access of existing screening programs, as well as the implementation of new ones,” she told Global News. .
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Holmes said the government should also increase access to support programs and come up with a comprehensive and coordinated action plan to tackle the impact of cancer in Canada.
Cancer is the leading cause of death in Canada, and it is estimated that about two in five Canadians will develop cancer in their lifetime, according to the Canadian Cancer Society.
In the last two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has delayed cancer screening, procedures and treatment across the country.
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There are fears that this could lead to many cases of cancer remaining undiagnosed or detected at an advanced stage.
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“I definitely have questions about the undiagnosed cases of the last two years and the impact it will have on the lives of patients – young and old – and especially those who have or will eventually be diagnosed,” said Jeff Eaton, two of whom for Cancer Survival and CEO of Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC).
“Many cancers are much more difficult to manage the later they are detected,” he told Global News.
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A study published in the International Journal of Cancer in November 2021 estimates that delays related to the Canadian pandemic could lead to about 20,000 additional cancer deaths over the next decade.
Another more recent study, published in the CMAJ in March, found that delaying surgery for cancer caused by the COVID-19 pandemic could affect the long-term survival of many patients.
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In addition to physical fees, Eaton says two years of isolation and blockade have also complicated the challenges for cancer patients in Canada.
“COVID has stopped many things in our lives, but it certainly hasn’t stopped cancer or its complications or the need for survivors to continue to understand how they continue to live and move forward in their lives.
In a July 2021 study published in the medical journal Lancet, 74% of cancer patients in Canada reported that delays had a major impact on their mental and emotional well-being.
Support for cancer patients
Eaton started Young Adult Cancer Canada in 2000 after his first diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia. He has had two bone marrow transplants in his 20s, but has not been in active treatment for more than 20 years.
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His non-profit organization provides support services to a community of about 5,000 teenagers, as well as others in their 20s and 30s.
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He said more resources need to be allocated to long-term support and rehabilitation of cancer patients so that they can move back from treatment to the next phase of their lives.
“The challenge I see in our system right now is that we’ve focused so much on the screening and treatment phases and we’ve practically forgotten about the rest of the patient’s life,” Ethan said.
“Advances [in treatment and screening] are welcome and important, but I believe that adjusting our priorities is crucial. “
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According to a CMAJ study, cancer rates and new cases are expected to be higher in men than in women.
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Holmes encouraged Canadians to adopt a healthy lifestyle by being physically active, eating well, limiting alcohol, abstaining from smoking and practicing sun safety.
For early detection, she advises that any changes in their body be checked by a healthcare provider and kept up to date with regular check-ups.
© 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
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