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NEWS RELEASE (CNS746) -->> HEALTH--IMPROVED CANCER CARE FOR NOVA SCOTIA HEALTH--IMPROVED CANCER CARE FOR NOVA SCOTIA ----------------------------------------------------------------- Cancer care in Nova Scotia will improve as a result of an action plan announced today by Premier John Savage. The action plan includes the creation of Cancer Care Nova Scotia to better coordinate treatment of the disease. "The benefits will be tremendous in this province where we have such high rates of cancer mortality," said Premier Savage. "We want to improve on the quality care available now to Nova Scotians. Cancer care will be better managed to ensure that all Nova Scotians suffering from this disease can have the best care and outcome possible." A plan for comprehensive, integrated and accountable cancer care in Nova Scotia was presented to the Department of Health in May 1996 in a report called Cancer Care Nova Scotia: A Plan for Action. The report's authors, a volunteer committee made up of physicians, academics, nurses, administrators and representatives of the Canadian Cancer Society and the Department of Health, suggested various approaches for the integration and co-ordination of cancer care. The Department of Health has accepted the majority of the recommendations in the committee's report. "Climbing incidence rates, new challenges in treatments and technology, an aging population, the profound, human impact of cancer on the patient and the high cost to the health care system all mean an immediate action plan is necessary," said Health Minister Bernie Boudreau. The goal is to achieve progress in cancer control, he said. This will be achieved through improved practices in the delivery of cancer care and the widespread application of the best current research and knowledge in the continuum of cancer care from prevention through treatment, palliation, restoration and rehabilitation. Clinical guidelines outlining the most effective approaches, evaluation of the effectiveness of treatments and application of standards will lead to better overall care, the minister said. In general, the report's authors believe their recommendations will help to promote the physical, psychological, social and spiritual well being of people with cancer, reduce the incidence of cancer, reduce the cancer mortality rate, improve the quality of life for people living with cancer and focus on outcomes. A comprehensive model, with minimal bureaucracy, has been selected for carrying out the plan for action. Cancer Care Nova Scotia will be headed by a commissioner, reporting to the Deputy Minister of Health. The commissioner will be supported by a development co-ordinator, and an advisory committee of volunteer stakeholders with expertise in cancer care who reflect the needs of the different geographic regions of Nova Scotia. A search committee will be struck to find a commissioner. In the meantime, the development co-ordinator will begin to lay the groundwork for Cancer Care Nova Scotia. Some key aspects of co-ordinated cancer care for Nova Scotia will include: * better management and co-ordination of the continuum of cancer care programs from prevention, screening/detection, education, research, treatment, support and rehabilitation to palliative care; * establishment of multi-disciplinary teams to set clinical guidelines; * advice on the location and specifics of cancer care services for the province; * establishment of cancer data bases and technological supports for cancer care providers to encourage province-wide participation; * strengthening of consumer input through their partnership with multi-disciplinary planning teams; * fostering of interprovincial links within the Maritime provinces; * encouraging the development of a network for exchange of ideas on cancer care; * strengthening of the family physician's role in cancer care coordination that will enhance communication with patients and their families. An annual report to the Minister of Health will help to update the public on progress in treatment and outcomes for Nova Scotians. The Department of Health has already allocated necessary start-up funds for this initiative. The action plan will be carefully managed to maintain the continuity of current care while introducing measures to improve the quality and effectiveness of cancer care in the province. -30- Contact: Lori MacLean 902-424-5025 trp Nov. 04, 1996 - 11 a.m.