The Harmful Impact of Delayed Radiology and Oncology Services on Canadian Patients

"According to a recent report by the Canadian Medical Association, the backlog of patients waiting for radiology services has grown significantly over the course of the pandemic, with some patients waiting more than a year for an MRI scan."

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on healthcare systems around the world, with many hospitals and clinics forced to delay or cancel non-urgent procedures in order to prioritize COVID-19 patients. In Canada, this has led to a significant backlog of patients waiting for essential healthcare services like radiology and oncology, with many experiencing prolonged delays and worsening health outcomes as a result.

One of the areas that has been particularly hard hit is radiology, which encompasses a range of imaging services such as CT scans, MRI scans, and PET scans. These services are essential for diagnosing a wide range of medical conditions, from broken bones to cancer, and delays in accessing them can have serious consequences for patients.

According to a recent report by the Canadian Medical Association, the backlog of patients waiting for radiology services has grown significantly over the course of the pandemic, with some patients waiting more than a year for an MRI scan. This delay in care can be particularly harmful for patients with conditions like cancer, where early detection and treatment are critical for improving survival rates.

In addition to delays in radiology services, many patients in Canada are also experiencing delays in accessing oncology services. Cancer is a complex disease that often requires a range of treatments, from chemotherapy to radiation therapy to surgery. Delaying these treatments can have serious consequences for patients, including worsening of symptoms, reduced quality of life, and even shortened lifespan.

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, the pandemic has led to significant delays in cancer treatment across the country, with many patients experiencing cancelled or postponed surgeries and delays in accessing chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The Society estimates that there was approximately 35,000 fewer cancer diagnoses in Canada in 2021 due to the pandemic, which will likely lead to an increase in cancer-related deaths in the coming years.

These delays in accessing essential healthcare services are not only harmful to patients, but they also have a significant economic impact. According to a recent report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information, the backlog of surgeries and other procedures caused by the pandemic could cost the Canadian healthcare system up to $1.3 billion over the next two years.

In order to address this crisis, it is essential that healthcare systems in Canada and around the world prioritize the needs of patients who are waiting for essential healthcare services. This may require increased investment in healthcare infrastructure and personnel, as well as creative solutions for addressing the backlog of patients waiting for care.

For example, some hospitals and clinics have turned to virtual care options, such as telemedicine, to provide healthcare services to patients who are unable to access in-person care. Others have implemented innovative scheduling strategies to prioritize the needs of patients with the most urgent healthcare needs.

While these solutions may help to address some of the challenges facing healthcare systems, it is clear that more needs to be done to ensure that all patients in Canada have timely access to essential healthcare services.

As we continue to grapple with the impacts of the pandemic, it is essential that we prioritize the health and wellbeing of our communities by investing in healthcare infrastructure and supporting the needs of patients who are waiting for essential care.