Cancer Care Nova Scotia to Create Patient Network

Cancer Care Nova Scotia today announced its provincial action plan, including the creation of a patient/survivor network and a program aimed at helping patients gain easier access to cancer information and services.

The plan was released by Health Minister Jim Smith, Peggy Davison, chair of the Cancer Care Nova Scotia board, and Dr. Andrew Padmos, commissioner, Cancer Care Nova Scotia. Members of Cancer Care Nova Scotia's voluntary board, appointed this past winter, were also on hand for the event, including cancer survivor Jim Meikle.

The announcement follows the allocation of $2.5 million in new funding to Cancer Care Nova Scotia's budget and government's plan to create the $600-million Health Investment Fund, which could further help the program improve cancer services for Nova Scotians.

"I'm confident that Cancer Care Nova Scotia will be able to make real progress with our commitment of $2.5 million in new money to its budget," said Dr. Smith. "This initiative represents the importance of working with our health care partners to improve the quality of health care and the efficient delivery of that care for Nova Scotians."

Dr. Smith commended Cancer Care Nova Scotia for its efforts to bring together the many players in the cancer care system.

Over the past several months, Cancer Care Nova Scotia and its board have met with volunteers, care providers, patients/survivors and cancer organizations throughout the province to listen to their ideas and concerns.

"These meetings have enabled us to gain valuable insights and helped identify some of the things that we can do with our many partners to help make our cancer system the best it can be," said Mrs. Davison. "I'm pleased that we can now put this information into action through programs aimed at helping patients and their families."

Cancer Care Nova Scotia will implement a plan of action that includes activities in the areas of prevention and control, care and treatment, research and education, and system management. Today's announcement focused on two projects that will affect care patients.

A patient/survivor network is being developed to bring together patients/survivors, support groups and volunteers to help find ways to improve the cancer care system and to educate patients/survivors and their families on cancer issues. Individuals will be invited to join the network over the next several months.

Cancer Care Nova Scotia is also introducing a patient navigation project, which will offer patients guided care, treatment and support through the maze of tests, procedures and treatments. Patient navigation will also help ensure that patients and their families receive the information they need.

A pilot is being developed for prostate cancer patients and is expected to lead to navigation services for all persons diagnosed with cancer. The pilot follows a model being tested by the Nova Scotia Breast Screening Program (Pink Rose Project).

Cancer Care Nova Scotia was created by the Department of Health in the fall of 1998 to help protect the health of Nova Scotians by enhancing and strengthening cancer services in the province. The program is guided by commissioner of cancer care, Dr. Padmos, and the cancer care advisory board, which includes cancer survivors, family members, consumer advocates, professional care-givers, and representatives of organizations involved with cancer care and government.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Beverly Lewis, Nova Scotia film-maker, artist and cancer survivor, joined board chair Peggy Davison at the conclusion of Cancer Care Nova Scotia's announcement to make a special commemorative presentation to the Cape Breton Cancer Centre and the Nova Scotia Cancer Centre. The artist's illustrative interpretation of the Cancer Care Nova Scotia logo, the mayflower, was dedicated to the centres to recognize the hope and commitment they bring to patients and their families.

Ms. Lewis began her fight with cancer in 1992 when she brought some concerns to the attention of her family doctor. She was referred to a specialist who removed a polyp, which was diagnosed as malignant. Thanks to an early diagnosis, surgery was successful and Ms. Lewis was able to avoid chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments. Today, she is free of cancer and focusing her energies on her passion for film-making and art.