Ottawa, March 31 -- The Canadian Cancer Survivor Network is deeply concerned that men living in Alberta who have prostate cancer that has spread to their bones do not have public access to treatments that can reduce the risk of serious bone complications.
Men whose cancer has spread, or metastasised, to their bones are at risk of developing serious, debilitating complications such as fractures, spinal cord compression or the need for surgery or radiation. These complications can cause mobility issues, disability, hospitalization and even death.
To reduce the risk of developing bone complications, men with advanced prostate cancer need a bone-targeting treatment at the earliest confirmation of metastases. However, the government does not pay for these treatments for patients in Alberta. Because of this, many men are left untreated and are at risk of developing complications that can disrupt their life and cause disability, pain, hospitalization, and even death.
Alberta is one of only two provinces, along with PEI, that does not currently provide public access to bone-targeting treatment. We believe that patients with advanced prostate cancer in Alberta deserve the same access to treatment and standard of care as patients in other provinces. Alberta Healthcare Insurance Plan must provide access to bone-targeted therapies to prevent complications that may be debilitating.
If you would like to assist us in our efforts to help men with advanced prostate cancer receive the same evidence-based care as patients in other provinces, please contact me at Jmanthorne@survivornet.ca.
Together we can make a difference.
No comments:
Post a Comment