@coloncanada through their GET PERSONAL program launched a two phase project- the first phase of the project included a The first phase of the project included a pan-tumour, pan-canadian survey that was sent to multi-disciplinary healthcare professionals aimed to conduct a high-level environmental scan of current biomarker testing [BT] practices at cancer care institutions across canada while a second survey aimed to assess the needs and gaps in canadian personalized medicine by gathering patients’ and caregivers’ experiences with biomarker testing [BT] in cancer treatment centres across canada.
according to the @coloncanada patient and caregiver perspective survey on molecular profiling [biomarker testing] in canada the survey results suggest that there is a lack of education on biomarker testing, as well as inequitable access – which varies by tumour site and by province and institution.
more importantly
- 46.8% said they were unfamiliar with there term biomarker - only 60.4% were offered biomarker testing prior to determining treatment - 69.1% were unaware that biomarkers could help determine the best treatment for them and only 16% were explained biomarker testing before treatment started
this implies the need for increased awareness, education and advocacy as personalized treatments have the potential to increase patients’ overall survival and improve their quality of life.
this is exactly why the cancer collaborative launched precision medicine awareness month and why we’ve joined forces with @coloncanada and @lymphomacanada to educate and create awareness on the importance of biomarkers and biomarker testing.
while survey results from the healthcare suggest that molecular profiling is not currently uniformly a standard of care in canada – including the unavailability of certain tests, inadequate reimbursement for biomarker testing and long turn around times [TATs] – see images below.
there is a lack of standardized guidelines and coordination between centres may prevent the administration of precision oncology care in canada. the cancer collaborative, @coloncanada and @lymphomacanada are calling for the implementation of standardized guidelines and coordination between centres to enhance the administration of precision oncology care in canada.
more information about CCC’s poster with detailed survey results can be found here
follow @cancercolab@coloncanada and @lymphomacanada throughout the month of november to learn more about precision medicine and its role in cancer.
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