News release

Feedback Sought from Lung Cancer Patients, Families, Caregivers

Cancer Care Nova Scotia

Cancer Care Nova Scotia is asking for feedback on recommendations for diagnosing and referring patients who have possible signs of lung cancer.

Patients, survivors, their families and caregivers are asked to review the draft clinical recommendations and give feedback.

Clinical recommendations give doctors and other health professionals information about the tests and treatments needed for certain cancers, where they need to take place and in what order and timeframe they need to occur to ensure patients receive high-quality care based on the latest evidence.

"We know from patients, family doctors and specialists that we can do much better in diagnosing and referring patients who have possible signs of lung cancer," said Dr. Drew Bethune, chair of the Clinically Detected Lung Cancer Working Group, and a thoracic surgeon in Halifax. "Our draft recommendations are intended to speed the process of investigation and referral for treatment close to their homes.

"This will mean better patient outcomes, better cure rates as a result of lung cancer being treated earlier and better quality of life for patients as a result of appropriate and timely referrals."

"Patients and their families offer unique insights and are important partners in cancer system improvement," said Chris Collier, interim chief operating officer, Cancer Care Nova Scotia. "They routinely participate on working groups and sit on our Clinical Standards Oversight Committee to ensure that the patient perspective is included."

"A diagnosis of cancer affects the patient and their entire family," said Susan Clarke-Tizzard, a patient advisor on the working group. "We have experienced first-hand what works well and we know the areas that need more attention.

"I strongly encourage lung cancer patients, their family members and caregivers to consider sharing their thoughts."

The draft recommendations are available at www.cancercare.ns.ca/engage . The deadline for the online survey is June 7.

There will also be focus groups in Dartmouth on May 27, and in Sydney on May 29. The deadline for registering is May 22. Space is limited. Those interested in participating can call 1-866-599-2267.

People who cannot provide feedback in these ways can call Leslie Hill, patient engagement co-ordinator, at 1-866-599-2267.

Cancer Care Nova Scotia, a Department of Health and Wellness program, was created in 1998 to facilitate quality cancer prevention and care for all Nova Scotians.