Weighing the impact of cancer on Canadians

A new survey issued by the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada (CCAC), entitled Weighing Quality of Life in Cancer, reveals that 82 per cent of Canadians have been touched closely by cancer — either they have had a close friend or family member battle cancer, or have lived with the disease themselves.

This compelling statistic indicates that the impact of cancer goes far beyond actual prevalence rates. Cancer can be both a physical and emotional burden on patients and loved ones, especially when a patient is battling a type of cancer with a high mortality rate, such as colorectal.

Colorectal cancer — cancer of the colon or rectum — is the second-leading cause of cancer death in Canada. Though highly preventable and curable when detected early, it is estimated that 22,200 Canadians will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2011 and sadly 8,900 individuals will die of it.

Colorectal cancer and quality of life
“Late-stage cancer can be very difficult to manage, leading to a reduced quality of life for patients and significant emotional burden on loved ones and caregivers,” said Dr. Scot Dowden, Medical Oncologist, Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary. “Having worked closely with patients and families, I know how important it is for Canadians to have extended, meaningful time with their loved ones.”

According to the Weighing Quality of Life in Cancer Survey, 87 per cent of Canadians see value in extending the life of a loved one by just a few weeks when a good quality of life can be maintained. In fact, if given a few more weeks to live, 35 per cent of survey respondents indicated they would spend that time seeking options to prolong life and prevent the cancer from progressing.

Treatment options for patients with advanced colorectal cancer
Over the past decade, new treatment advancements and personalized medical approaches to care have improved health outcomes for cancer patients. For example, anti-EGFr (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) therapies are a class of medications that have shown to prolong life while maintaining a better quality of life for patients. Prior to treatment, patients can be tested or screened to determine if an anti-EGFr therapy will be beneficial to them. One test helps to identify a mutation in the KRAS gene — which can help to determine if a patient will respond to various therapies.

“Not only does KRAS screening have safety value, it has economical value as it helps to reduce the use of treatments among non-responsive patients,” said Dr. Dowden. “Through the use of screening we can determine if an anti-EFGr treatment, such as Vectibix, will be effective with a patient who has advanced cancer. Providing access to quality treatments, especially during late stage cancer, should be a top priority for healthcare authorities across Canada,” added Dr. Dowden.

Despite the importance of quality of life to all Canadians, the Weighing Quality of Life in Cancer Survey shows that 82 per cent of Canadians believe it is at least somewhat difficult to get access to the most current quality of life treatments from their province.

Speak with your healthcare provider about available screening and treatment options, or visit CCAC’s website at www.colorectal-cancer.ca for more information.

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