Province Reaffirms Commitment to Enhance Cancer Care

Health Minister Jim Smith reaffirmed today the provincial government's commitment to strengthening cancer care in Nova Scotia.

He made the comments at a news conference held to introduce the province's new commissioner of cancer care, Dr. Andrew Padmos, and the newly appointed chair of the Cancer Care Nova Scotia Advisory Board, Peggy Davison.

"These appointments are part of this government's ongoing efforts to improve early detection, prevention and treatment of cancer," said Dr. Smith.

Dr. Smith, Dr. Padmos and Mrs. Davison were joined at the news conference by Colleen Elliott, president of the Canadian Cancer Society, Nova Scotia Division.

Mrs. Davison brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the advisory board. She is past chair of the Nova Scotia Association of Health Organizations, the Canadian Healthcare Association and the VG Hospital Foundation.

Under the guidance and direction of Dr. Padmos, Cancer Care Nova Scotia is responsible for the overall planning, co-ordination and evaluation of cancer services and facilities. Dr. Padmos, who began his role with Cancer Care Nova Scotia on Sept. 1, has spent much of the past month meeting with health care professionals and organizations to identify and investigate areas for action.

Dr. Padmos outlined first-year goals and objectives for Cancer Care Nova Scotia. It will work to:

• establish the advisory board for Cancer Care Nova Scotia
• review, co-ordinate and strengthen provincewide cancer prevention and early detection programs
• develop a detailed and up-to-date cancer database
• review credentials and accreditation of facilities and personnel
• begin to develop a cancer patient network and coalition
• plan and organize a managed cancer drug therapy program for the province
• strengthen a program for palliative care, surgical oncology and supportive care

"Our focus for this year is to construct a solid foundation for Cancer Care Nova Scotia," said Dr. Padmos. "To achieve these goals and objectives, we must listen to and work with cancer patients, their family members, volunteers and our partners in the health care system."

The Cancer Care Nova Scotia Advisory Board will work with Dr. Padmos and partners from across the province to directly advise the minister of health on approaches to improve cancer care in Nova Scotia. Board appointments are now in process.