What do cancer patients want?

By Jackie Manthorne

Presented at the Economic Club of Canada

April 14, 2014

Thank you very much for your kind introduction. And I would also like to thank all of you for attending today! I was hoping that Toronto wouldn’t be having a blizzard and that we all wouldn’t be sporting boots, parkas and tuques! Last week I was in Gatineau, where there was sleet, Vancouver and Victoria, where it was warm and the cherry blossoms were blooming and the trees were green, on to Edmonton, where it was warm but damp, and finally to Calgary, where the wet snow was temporary, so my sense is that right across the country, spring is finally emerging from our long, cold winter!

What do cancer patients want? Those of us working and volunteering at the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network strongly believe in the mantra “Nothing about us without us;” after all, patients, survivors and caregivers are the experts: they are living the cancer journey. So the first step in finding out what patients want is to ask them and then listen closely to their responses so we can work with them to find solutions to issues they identify as important to them. More often than not, these issues pinpoint gaps in our healthcare and cancer care systems.

Last year the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network conducted a members’ survey in which we asked what patients want, and much of what I am going to talk about today is what they responded and the conclusions we can draw from these responses.

Overall, patients told us that they were concerned about:

·         The physical side effects of treatment and surgery and psychosocial or mental health issues.

·         Changing family dynamics.

·         Financial issues and difficulties transitioning back to work.

·         Fear of cancer spreading or coming back.

The physical and mental side effects of treatment are wide-ranging and are the primary concern of cancer patients and survivors.  Survey respondents reported many physical side effects from their treatment and surgery.  These include lymphedema, facial and intestinal reconstruction, neuropathy, and other debilitating physical issues. Pain resulting from nerve damage, scar tissue, and surgery is a continuing issue for many patients and survivors.

Patients told us:

·         “I had a significant defect on my face from reconstruction, so dealing with seeing it every day was tough.” 

·         “Chemobrain. I mean, memory issues, difficulty sequencing. Not being able to keep up with others.”

·         “Fatigue.”

·         “Impotence and incontinence after prostate cancer treatment.”

·         “Radiation caused rib pain for two years.”

·          “I developed neuropathy which I would like to go away.”

·         “I had bladder cancer, and incontinence is an issue I have had to face; although I understood that this can happen after treatment and surgery, it is hard to face day after day.”

Mental or psychological side effects patients told us about include:

·         “I struggle with body image issues after my mastectomy.”

·         “Fear of dying before my children grow up.”

·         “It is generally thought that once you have completed treatment and a certain time has passed, you are now ‘cured.’ There is little understanding of the fear and anxiety that every survivor feels that it could return.”

·         “Fear, stress and isolation.”

·         “I became the problem; I am no longer seen as a problem solver by my children.”

·         “It's a strange world when you're 30 and anyone else you've known that's had cancer is dead.”

Some patients reported seeking help, but many reported working through these and other psychological issues on their own, with family and friends, or in cancer support groups.

Lymphedema, or swelling in the arms or legs, is a serious and frequent concern among cancer patients and survivors. It can occur right away, or years after treatment ends.  Aside from the physical problems it creates, it is also a barrier to returning to work and the cause of additional costs, since government coverage of sleeves is uneven across the country, and patients without a health care plan must pay for physiotherapy, and those with plans often max them out before year end.

One patient who responded to our survey said, “The health care system should be paying for my lymphatic drainage massage. It is very costly, approximately $90 an hour, and now I'm on CPP disability and simply can't afford it. Yet, I need it! There is no financial support for treatment of lymphedema and this is so unacceptable.”

An Ottawa friend who subsequently died from metastatic breast cancer had such severe lymphedema in her left arm that it would pull her off a chair if she casually bent to pick up something on the floor without thinking about it and planning her movements first. Another patient in Montreal suffering from cancer of unknown primary developed lymphedema in both legs and was no longer able to go to her office to work; luckily, she was able to work from home, although she was in constant pain, and her income was reduced.

How can we help patients deal with the physical side effects of treatment and surgery and psychosocial or mental health issues?

CCSN has been speaking to politicians and other decision-makers about establishing rehabilitation services for all cancer patients and survivors suffering from lymphedema and other ongoing side effects, no matter when they occur in each patient or survivor’s cancer journey. Heart attack and stroke patients and those receiving joint replacements receive rehabilitation to help them recover, get back to work, and go on with their lives. While some patients in our survey reported receiving some rehabilitation services post-treatment, most did not. Without similar services for cancer patients, ongoing side effects from surgery and treatment may continue to impede total recovery.

Most patients reported a sense of abandonment once their cancer treatment ended:

·         “I am having to deal with the loss of the people and trust that was there while everything was being done from the very beginning and to the last day of radiation.”

·         “The 'safety net' was gone once I stopped all the visits to the specialists.”

·         “Once treatment was finished, I was on my own, working with my family doctor. If I had any issues regarding the cancer or problems from treatment, I would always ask myself, how much does a family physician know about cancer? I was always thinking that hopefully, he knows what he is talking about!”

This strong feeling of abandonment among cancer patients is so widespread that the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network has been discussing the feasibility of continuing cancer patient navigation post-treatment with provincial politicians and other decisions makers. This would enable patients, survivors and caregivers to access information, services and help from cancer experts whenever they need it.  Ongoing cancer navigation should also help prevent the late diagnosis of recurrences and metastasises and result in a better quality of life for survivors who still suffer from treatment side effects.

Another important issue that patients have identified is changes in family dynamics.

Our survey is not the first to bring to light the physical ramifications of cancer treatment on sexual function and intimacy, which may cause additional mental health issues.  Body image issues are cited, as are emotional distance and in some cases separation from spouses or partners. Respondents cited loss of intimacy and the ability to fulfill a partner’s needs as a frequent side effect of treatment:

·         “I have trouble feeling close to my spouse at times, and I feel no sexual desire.”

·         “My husband became physically distant. He was very helpful and always supportive but we never made love after the chemo. Now, nine years later, it is okay.”

Several patients reported that their relationships ended as a result of their cancer.  Partners were reportedly unable to deal with the challenges and left because of the loss of intimacy, or cheated on the cancer patient or survivor. These occurrences were linked to a sense of isolation and depression. Relationships with children, parents and other family members sometimes changed as well.

·         “One child wanted to help me, but he was physically affected by stomach pain and worried a lot. The other child could not cope to see me so ill and went to live with his father for a while. My partner seemed supportive; however, he went off to have an affair with someone who was very well endowed. We are no longer together.”

·         “I was a single mom wishing to spend more time with my adult child. She was afraid she may contract cancer and shunned me. She had difficulty being around me and seeing me vulnerable.”

·         “Three days after diagnosis, my boyfriend left as he ‘couldn't handle it.’ I found people didn't know what to say to you or they expected you to be back to 'normal' when you are feeling anything but normal.  And when I was concerned about a recurrence, my mother unintentionally said some damaging words that put a strain on our relationship for a while.  She just didn't know what to say, and told me ‘well, at least you've lived a good life.’ I was 36!”

However, the effects of cancer on patients’ relationships with the partner and family can also bring people closer together. Many patients also reported that their relationships had improved post-diagnosis, with families being drawn closer together and priorities made clear. Some patients who had suffered a broken relationship reported that their new relationships were stronger than their previous, broken relationships.

·         “I think my family is valuing me more.”

·         “My husband and I have always been close, but we are even closer now, realizing that life is short.  Little things no longer bother us.”

·         “We are more open and honest about everything:  health, emotions, love and well-being. It has created a close bond between me and my entire family.”

·         “Got divorced. But got a new partner. Life improved greatly.”

·         “We are a lot closer and tell each other "I love you" on a daily basis.”

Again, access to continuing cancer patient navigation services would enable patients, survivors, caregivers and family members to deal with not only the ongoing physical side effects of cancer surgery and treatment, but also the psychological issues and adjustment to changed family dynamics and the “new normal” patients and their families experience.

An additional concern expressed in our survey of members relates to financial issues and difficulties transitioning back to work.

The Canadian Cancer Society, Manitoba Division and the Canadian Cancer Action Network’s study entitled Five-Year Action Plan to Address the Financial Hardship of Cancer in Canada: A Call for Action was the most recent of several studies of financial issues experienced by cancer patients.[i]

Study findings included the following:

“Nine out of ten Canadian families touched by cancer reported some form of financial challenge as incomes declined and household costs rose. For some, a cancer diagnosis started a financial tailspin that pushed ordinary people over the edge, resulting in debt, distress, bankruptcy and even a lifetime on social assistance.

“What emerged in this study was a consistent picture of financial hardship caused not by a single challenge but rather a combination of factors that created a perfect storm as sick leave and vacation time was used up and costs increased because of day-to-day living costs and unforeseen expenses from drugs and medical equipment to child care and travel increased. Surprisingly, parking costs at treatment facilities were more than a minor irritant, they were a major expense.

The report went on to say that, “These issues are compounded by a third factor:  A lack of awareness and a false sense of security have left Canadians unprepared to deal with these challenges, both as individuals and as a society. Most Canadians do not know that a cancer diagnosis has caused some people to declare bankruptcy, lose their homes, lose all of their savings, make less than optimal treatment decisions or become dependent on taxpayer-funded programs for the rest of their lives. Until cancer comes into their own lives, they believe the myth that all health care is free. Most never imagined that they could face such difficult challenges at such a vulnerable time of their lives. The reality comes as a shock to many.”  

This shock and frustration was voiced by many patients who responded to our survey:

·         “I had complications and multiple surgeries, which had me off work for three years. I was single, self-employed and had previous employment doing physical work as a home support worker. I had no money coming in and had to spend my savings to live for three years.”

·         “I received a very small amount of medical financial assistance from the government.  I needed to have it supplemented by asking friends and family for assistance, as what the government paid wouldn't even pay my rent.  The government then said I could not receive 'any' funds if I was receiving assistance privately.”

·         “Even when you have a job and benefits, you still take a big hit financially, especially if you are the only wage earner. A lot of us have difficulties making ends meet while working, and when your salary is cut even further, it’s a major juggling act.  Also, after cancer the cost of medications are very expensive. If there are changes made in your life that affects your medical plan, you are basically screwed and have to pay for your medications. Again, another juggling act. Do I take the medication and let other things slide, or take the chance that I will get cancer again if I don't take the medication? In the end you still end up with financial difficulties.”

A recent Léger survey fielded by the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network also shed new light on the striking financial, decision-making and emotional burden the disease puts on cancer patients and their caregivers. 301 cancer patients and 201 caregivers participated in this survey, making it one of the largest caregiver surveys that we are aware of and providing new and important information on the role of caregivers in their loved ones’ cancer journeys. In fact, caregivers reported more difficulties in accessing treatment and necessary medications, difficulty finding flexible work options and loss of salaries than patients, which clearly points to caregivers’ role as cancer care navigators and managers. While one in five patients experienced difficulty in finding flexible work options while battling cancer, nearly one half of caregivers struggled to integrate care for loved ones into their work schedules, making the management of the disease and their income very challenging.

As such, the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network strongly recommends that caregivers, who reported receiving no significant outside help other than from friends and families, should not be left to fend for themselves. Caregivers should join patients in the centre of the circle as we move toward defining and implementing patient-centered care.

And to add insult to injury, Employment Insurance Sickness Benefits last only 15 weeks, certainly not long enough for someone going through cancer treatment, and Canadian Pension Plan Disability Benefits are extremely difficult to access. CCSN will continue to raise awareness among decision makers of this gap in our social support system and to push for change so that cancer patients are not cut off EI Sickness Benefits in the middle of treatment, and often forced to return to work before they are ready.

Return to work was often a struggle:

·         “I made the transition back to work, but it was an effort. My employer tried to reduce my hours from a full-time to part-time job.”

·         “I had a very slow recovery due to high doses of chemo. I was let go from my job as I could not return to work full time in six weeks.”

·         “The resulting lymphedema in my left leg due to tumour removal has limited the time I can spend standing. I can now work as a teacher only part-time instead of full- time.”

·         “When I went back to work, my manager promoted a junior above me in case I got sick again. I left that place of employment but never found another place I enjoyed as much.”

Financial issues identified by patients also include lack of timely access to drugs and medications as well as the cost of drugs already alluded to above.

When you are diagnosed with cancer, you want timely access to the best medicines to stop your cancer in its tracks, to prevent it from recurring, and to stop it from spreading.  If it has spread, you want immediate access to the best medicines to stop it from progressing and to maintain pain-free quality of life.

But depending on where you live in this country, you may not have timely access to the best medicines, and even if you do, you may not be able to afford them!

The Léger survey revealed worrisome gaps in access to drugs: one in six patients and nearly one-third of caregivers reported difficulty in accessing current or effective treatment options and reimbursement of drug costs. And over one in 20 patients and one in five caregivers experienced difficulty in accessing medicine, When you translate this into the number of Canadians who are likely to develop cancer in their lifetime – two in five, according to the Canadian Cancer Society, we are talking about thousands of people who have difficulty accessing cancer meds every year.

One patient who responded to our survey of members said this: “Make all cancer drugs available. Some are not available even though they have been shown to be beneficial. Also new drugs are often not funded and are slow to enter the system. These drugs are too expensive for most people to afford. The alternative is to die. Think of that if you can.”

Why is this so?

One reason is the long and winding road of drug approval in Canada, starting with Health Canada and proceeding through either the pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review or the Common Drug Review and continuing through each province and territory, with the addition of the Council of the Federation’s Pan-Canadian Pricing Alliance.  Creating solutions to the long delays in drug approval is beyond the scope of this talk, but there is certainly an unacceptable delay in accessing new medicines, often years. It is unclear what consequences these long wait times for access to new drugs have on patients. Are some patients not receiving the gold standard of treatment compared to patients in other countries? Certainly there are no safe wait times for patients living with metastatic cancer.

A second reason for access difficulties experienced by patients is the fact that healthcare is a provincial/territorial responsibility, and public coverage of any given cancer drug (or any prescription drug, for that matter), varies from province to province – a postal code lottery of drug access. What is available in one province may not be in another, despite the fact that the drug in question has been approved for use in Canada. Or, it may be available under the formulary in one province but not in another.

Making cancer medications available and affordable to all Canadians is not only fair, it also makes economic sense.  I might add that we are working on this issue in coalition with our over 40 partner groups as well as stakeholders in other chronic disease organizations.

Overall, survivors face difficulty with the loss of healthcare interactions, returning to work, and affording treatment costs.

·         Regardless of their experience with treatment, the sentiment of abandonment by the healthcare system or lack of post-treatment care was widespread.  The most common example given was lack of access to healthcare professionals post-treatment.

·         Many patients, survivors and caregivers expressed a desire for additional support in paying for drugs and other treatment-related items (i.e. lymphatic drainage massage, PSA testing, needles).  There was a sense of annoyance at the lack of or insufficient funding for survivors.

·         Barriers to returning to work were primarily physical – fatigue, lymphedema, or other side effects of surgery or treatment.  Some survivors also said that they were forced to leave their jobs due to cancer-related fatigue or complications.

·         Depression, anxiety, isolation and other mental issues were also identified as barriers to maintaining to a normal life, work, and functional relationships and family life.

·         Some patients had positive experiences returning to work or working through their treatment, but companies were identified as making efforts to ensure that the survivor was able to come back to work.

I have made suggestions about how some of these issues can be better dealt with by our healthcare and cancer care system, including making ongoing, lifelong cancer navigation available post-treatment to patients, caregivers and families and re-visioning recovery from cancer and the side effects of surgery and treatment as a rehabilitative issue.

The Canadian Cancer Survivor Network works to connect patients, survivors and other stakeholder groups with decision makers and the wider community to engage in discussion and to act on evidence-based best practices to alleviate the medical, emotional, financial and social costs of cancer and encourage research on ways to overcome barriers to optimal cancer care and follow-up for survivors in Canada.

We invite you to join us in this work.

Thank you.

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[i] http://www.cancer.ca/en/get-involved/take-action/what-we-are-doing/financial-hardship-of-cancer-in-canada-mb/?region=mb

Is mammography in danger?

Not all that long ago in Canada, the triad of early detection of breast cancer was breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast exam, and mammography.  These three were the most widely used tools in the early detection of breast cancer.

However, in the late 1990 and early 2000s, breast self-examination came under attack, and even such organizations as the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation modified their recommendations from promoting BSE to promoting breast awareness “because there is insufficient or inconclusive scientific evidence of an effective BSE technique, or an effective way for health care providers to teach it to women, or that BSE reduces breast cancer mortality.” [1]

Although clinical breast exams (CBE) should be part of a regular check-up, many health care practitioners have either not been taught the correct way to perform CBE or do not have the time to include one in a patient’s annual check-up. In addition, the Ontario Breast Screening Program, which used to offer a clinical breast exam as well as a mammogram for women aged 59-70, no longer performs CBEs.

And increasingly, mammography has been under attack.

The latest in a fairly long line of studies that criticizes screening mammography is the Canadian National Breast Cancer Screening Study, “Too Much Mammography,” published on February 11, 2014 in The British Medical Journal (http://www.bmj.com/content/348/bmj.g1403). This Canadian study followed approximately 90,000 women who were assigned to either receive regular mammograms or have no mammograms between the years 1980 and 1985. Researchers followed the participants for about another 25 years.

“During the screening period, approximately 660 invasive breast cancers were diagnosed in women who received mammograms, and about 520 cases were diagnosed in those who did not receive the screening. Among the women diagnosed through mammograms, 180 died of breast cancer, and 171 died from the group who were diagnosed without mammography.

“According to the findings, mammograms contributed to the over-diagnosis of breast cancer — meaning the screening detected a cancer that was not an actual threat to the woman’s health, but she still underwent chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation.”[2]

In her statement on the Canadian National Breast Screening Study, National Breast Cancer Coalition president Fran Visco says that the study “confirms NBCC’s long-held position that an enormous amount of resources and attention have been spent on mammography, despite the lack of strong evidence that screening significantly reduces mortality from breast cancer. The Canadian study found that 22% of women whose cancers were detected by mammograms were overdiagnosed and subjected to unnecessary treatment.”[3]

What’s a woman (or man) to do now?

Over 24,000 Canadians were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013 – 23,800 women and 200 men[4] – so doing nothing is not an option, and early diagnosis is still important.

Already there are suggestions that we should take another look at breast self-exams and clinical breast exams.[5] Apparently one unexpected but positive outcome of the Canadian National Breast Cancer Screening Study was that “women who did not receive regular mammograms were instead monitored with physical breast exams that proved effective. All of the participants were taught to examine their own breasts once a month, and specially trained nurses examined women who were in their 50s. This low-tech approach, the researchers found, appeared to be as good as or better than regular mammograms at locating the serious cancers that needed treatment.”[6] Researchers went on to say that they were reluctant to address this, since it had not been the purpose of the study.

Confusing? Yes. Important? Undoubtedly. Implications for screening for other cancers? Evidently so:  several recent studies have reported on and described overdiagnosis and overtreatment of not only breast but also prostate and thyroid cancers, and to a lesser degree renal and lung cancer.[7] 

But when it comes right down to it, existing breast cancer screening methods are still breast self-examination, clinical breast examination and mammography.

And in fact, in a February 14, 2014 media release, Dr. Jacques Lévesque, President of the Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR), the national association representing radiologists in Canada, stated that, “Women should continue to seek breast cancer screening using mammography, a form of x‐ray of the breast.” The CAR went on to say that they are very concerned that women will feel there is no need to pursue breast cancer screening, when in fact, several other breast cancer screening reports indicate the opposite.   

The CAR joined the American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging, who also have concerns that the report is “incredibly misleading analysis based on the deeply flawed and widely discredited Canadian National Breast Screening Study (CNBSS). The results of this BMJ study, and others resulting from the CNBSS trial, should not be used to create breast cancer screening policy as this would place a great many women at increased risk of dying unnecessarily from breast cancer.”[8]

The recently released CAR Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards for Breast Imaging and Intervention, as well as referral guidelines for medical imaging for physicians, encourage women to speak with their physician about the right time to begin mammography exams. 

The Canadian Cancer Survivor Network will continue to address issues in cancer screening as they arise. We encourage patients, survivors and caregivers to share their thoughts and opinions about cancer screening by writing to jmanthorne@ccsn.ca .

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[1] Look and feel, https://www.cbcf.org/central/AboutBreastHealth/Breast-Awareness/be-breast-aware/Pages/Look-and-Feel.aspx

[2] Doctors critical of mammography study, NapaValleyRegister.com, February 24, 2014

[3] National Breast Cancer Coalition Statement on The Canadian National Breast Screening Study, http://www.breastcancerdeadline2020.org/about-nbcc/newsroom/2014PressReleases/CanadianScreeningStudyStatement.html

[4] Canadian Cancer Statistics 2013, http://www.cancer.ca/~/media/cancer.ca/CW/cancer%20information/cancer%20101/Canadian%20cancer%20statistics/canadian-cancer-statistics-2013-EN.pdf

[5] A fresh case for breast exams by Roni Caryn Rabin,  The New York Times, http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/02/17/a-fresh-case-for-breast-self-exams/?smid=tw-share

[6] Ibid

[7] PubMed, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22472510

[8] http://www.acr.org/News‐Publications/News/News‐Articles/2014/ACR/BMJ‐Article‐on‐Breast‐Cancer‐Screening‐

Effectiveness‐Incredibly‐Flawed‐and‐Misleading  

Finding Flexible Work Difficult for Cancer Patients and Caregivers

New data released on financial, decision-making and emotional burden of cancer

LAVAL, Quebec, January 14, 2014 – A 2013 Léger national survey of cancer patients and their caregivers, commissioned by Sanofi Canada, sheds new light on the striking financial, decision-making and emotional burden the disease puts on cancer patients and their caregivers.  The survey finds that 18% of patients experience difficulty in finding flexible work options while battling cancer, while 49% of all caregivers also struggle to integrate caring for loved ones into their work schedules.

Surveyed caregivers said that, in addition to being a source of financial stress, cancer caregiving took a toll on their lifestyle and emotional outlook.  Many noted that it forced them to choose between work and care; including taking time off from work or preventing them from moving for work.

“With a growing elderly population reliant on a younger workforce, we need to keep measuring our progress in supporting people with cancer and developing new solutions.  It is critical for all members of the healthcare continuum, to find new ways – big and small, simple or complex – to help patients better manage their lives as well as to ease the caregiver burden,” says Jon Fairest, President and CEO of Sanofi Canada.  “Cancer management is not only costly to our health system; it also significantly impairs individuals who make up a highly productive segment of our workforce and economy.”

The Canadian Cancer Society expects that 2 in 5 Canadians will develop cancer in their lifetimes. Males have a 46% lifetime probability (or a 1 in 2.2 chance) of developing cancer. Females have a 41% lifetime probability (or a 1 in 2.4 chance) of developing cancer^[1].

Access to medicine

The burden on people being treated for cancer is already high because of health concerns, but for 15% of patients and 29% of caregivers, it is further complicated by the difficulty in accessing the most current or effective treatment options, in addition to the concerns over reimbursement of drug costs, long and intense treatments, and the loss of salary.

“When you look at the survey and see that 6% of patients reported having difficulty accessing medicine and 19% of caregivers reporting the same, you come to the conclusion that these statistics are too high for a country like Canada. Treatments that clearly improve quality of life and cancer outcomes should be available for all Canadians,” says Jon Fairest.  “When you translate this information into the number of Canadians who are likely to develop cancer in their lifetime, we are talking thousands of people who have difficulty accessing medicine.”

Of the patients surveyed, 28% were currently living with cancer and 72% had had it in the past, which could account for different perceptions in the difficulty in accessing treatment. Survey responses lead to the conclusion that caregivers may have shielded their dependents from the difficulty in managing access. 

“Patients living with cancer and dependent on the public system, wherever they live, need to have equal access in a timely manner to available treatments. This underscores the importance for provincial governments to list those treatment options that have been approved by Canadian health authorities,” added Mr. Fairest. “At Sanofi Canada, we stand behind the principle of access to the right medicine for the right patient at the right time. Access to cancer treatment should be universal and we should be making every effort for full access across the country.”

Carrying the load: the cancer burden

Survey results depict the caregiver to cancer patients as predominately female. Sixty-three percent of women compared to 37% of men carry the load of disease management and treatment. The majority of caregivers to oncology patients are under 54 years old (69%). Patients, meanwhile, are predominantly 55 and over (75%). 

While emphasizing how important their role is, and how grateful for life and health they had become after caring for their loved one with cancer, caregivers described the negative impact cancer had on their mental state, describing their function as “emotionally draining,” “depressing,” and “stressful.”

Caregivers reported receiving no significant outside help in their caregiving, other than that provided by family and friends to help in the management of their loved one’s cancer treatment.

“Caring for cancer patients is complex,” says Jackie Manthorne, President & CEO of the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network. “People living with cancer require a wealth of financial and support services to access needed medicines and services that are in close proximity to their homes as well as psychological, nutrition and fitness services to support them in the healing process.”   

To ease the burden of managing cancer and its treatment, three quarters of caregivers are in favour of out-of-hospital care for cancer patients, and 87% say their dependent would be likely to take advantage of the option of receiving treatment at home.  Patients too are generally in favour of out-of-hospital care, and 80% say they would be likely to use a service that allows them to have treatment at home.

“At Sanofi, we understand that caregivers play a critical role in optimal cancer patient management and also figure prominently in the economic issues around cancer care,” said Victoria Vertesi, Vice-President Hospital-based Patient-centered Care, Sanofi Canada. “That’s why our patient-centric approach includes caring for caregivers. We are ready in Canada for innovative solutions that help patients and enable their caregivers to go back to healthy, productive living.”

About the survey

The survey was completed online in May, 2013 using Leger’s online panel, LegerWeb.

The total sample size was 502 Canadians (301 patients, 201 caregivers) who have cancer, have had cancer in the past, are currently caregivers to someone with cancer, or have been a caregiver in the past.

A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/- 4.4%, 19 times out of 20.

About Sanofi

Sanofi, an integrated global healthcare leader, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients’ needs. Sanofi has core strengths in the field of healthcare with seven growth platforms: diabetes solutions, human vaccines, innovative drugs, consumer healthcare, emerging markets, animal health and the new Genzyme. Sanofi is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).

Sanofi companies in Canada include Sanofi Canada (pharmaceuticals), Sanofi Pasteur (vaccines), Sanofi Consumer Health (health and beauty), Genzyme (rare diseases) and Merial (animal health). Together they employ more than 1,700 people across the country. In 2012 Sanofi companies invested $122 million in R&D in Canada, creating jobs, business and opportunity throughout the country.

For further information or to arrange an interview with a cancer patient, caretaker of a cancer patient, representative of the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network, and a spokesperson for Sanofi Canada, please contact:

Catherine R. Cunningham                         Kristin Gable

Sanofi Canada                                              NATIONAL Public Relations

Tel: 514-956-6120                                       Tel: 514-843-2378

Cell: 514-713-1634                                     Cell: 514-209-0984

Catherine.cunningham@sanofi.com       KGable@national.ca

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[1] Canadian Cancer Statistics 2013, Produced by Canadian Cancer Society, Statistics Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada, Provincial/Territorial Cancer Registries cancer.ca/statistics May 2013

Les patients atteints du cancer et les aidants ont de la difficulté à trouver un travail flexible

Nouvelles données publiées sur le fardeau financier, émotif et décisionnel du cancer

LAVAL, Québec, le 14 janvier 2014 – Un sondage national de Léger réalisé en 2013 auprès de patients atteints du cancer et de leurs aidants, demandé par Sanofi Canada, montre sous un nouveau jour le fardeau financier, émotif et décisionnel important que la maladie impose aux patients atteints du cancer et à leurs aidants. Selon le sondage, 18 % des patients ont de la difficulté à trouver des options de travail flexibles pendant qu’ils luttent contre le cancer, tandis que 49 % de tous les aidants éprouvent aussi de la difficulté à intégrer les soins à prodiguer à la personne chère à leur horaire de travail.

D’après les aidants interrogés, en plus d’être une source de stress financier, les soins aux personnes atteintes d’un cancer ont des répercussions sur leur style de vie ainsi que leur santé psychologique. Selon plusieurs, la maladie les force à choisir entre le travail et les soins, y compris le fait de s’absenter du travail ou de les empêcher de déménager pour le travail.

« Tandis que la population vieillissante en croissance se fie à une main-d’œuvre plus jeune, il faut continuer de mesurer les progrès réalisés pour appuyer les personnes atteintes du cancer, et créer de nouvelles solutions. Il est essentiel pour tous les membres du domaine des soins de santé de trouver de nouvelles façons, petites ou grandes, simples ou complexes, afin d’aider les patients à mieux gérer leur vie, ainsi que de réduire le fardeau imposé aux aidants, constate Jon Fairest, président-directeur général de Sanofi Canada. La gestion du cancer ne s’avère pas seulement coûteuse pour notre système de santé; elle a aussi d’importantes répercussions négatives sur les gens qui font partie d’un segment très productif de notre main-d’œuvre et de notre économie. »

Selon la Société canadienne du cancer, deux Canadiens sur cinq seront atteints d’un cancer durant leur vie. Le risque d’être atteint du cancer chez les hommes atteint 46 % (ou 1 chance sur 2,2). Chez les femmes, la probabilité atteint 41 % (ou 1 chance sur 2,4)^[1].

Accès aux soins de santé

Le fardeau des personnes traitées pour un cancer est déjà élevé en raison des préoccupations sur le plan de la santé. Cependant, pour 15 % des patients et 29 % des aidants, la situation est compliquée davantage par la difficulté d’accéder aux traitements les plus récents ou efficaces, en plus des préoccupations touchant le remboursement du coût des médicaments, les traitements longs et intensifs et la perte de salaire.

« Lorsque vous regardez le sondage et constatez que 6 % des patients déclarent éprouver de la difficulté à accéder aux soins de santé, et que 19 % des aidants déclarent la même chose, vous en venez à la conclusion que ces statistiques sont trop élevées pour un pays comme le Canada. Tous les Canadiens devraient avoir accès à des traitements qui augmentent clairement la qualité de vie et améliorent l’issue du cancer, ajoute Jon Fairest. Lorsque vous obtenez, grâce à ces données, le nombre de Canadiens qui pourraient être atteints d’un cancer pendant leur vie, vous parlez de milliers de personnes qui ont de la difficulté à accéder aux soins. »

Des patients sondés, 28 % vivaient avec un cancer, et 72 % en avaient eu un dans le passé. Cela explique pourquoi il y a différentes perceptions quant à la difficulté d’accéder aux traitements. En raison des réponses au sondage, il est possible de conclure que les aidants peuvent avoir caché aux personnes à charge la difficulté qu’ils éprouvent à gérer l’accès.

« Les patients atteints du cancer et qui dépendent du système public, sans égard à l’endroit où ils vivent, doivent avoir un accès égal et rapide aux traitements existants. Cela souligne l’importance pour les gouvernements provinciaux d’ajouter à la liste les options de traitement approuvées par les autorités canadiennes dans le domaine de la santé, ajoute M. Fairest. Sanofi Canada soutient le principe de l’accès au bon traitement pour le bon patient, au bon moment. L’accès aux traitements de lutte contre le cancer devrait être universel. Nous devrions déployer tous les efforts possibles pour assurer un accès complet à l’échelle du pays. »

Traîner le fardeau qu’est le cancer

Selon le sondage, la majorité des aidants des personnes cancéreuses sont des femmes. Soixante-trois pour cent des femmes s’occupent de la gestion de la maladie et des traitements, par rapport à 37 % des hommes. La majorité des aidants des patients en oncologie sont âgés de moins de 54 ans (69 %). Pour leur part, la majorité des patients sont âgés de 55 ans et plus (75 %).

Tout en mettant l’accent sur l’importance de leur rôle, et la reconnaissance qu’ils ont à l’égard de la vie et de la santé après avoir pris soin d’une personne chère atteinte du cancer, les aidants ont décrit les répercussions négatives que le cancer a eues sur leur santé mentale, mentionnant que le processus a été « terrible sur le plan émotif, déprimant et stressant ».

Selon les aidants, ils n’ont reçu aucune aide de l’extérieur pour offrir leurs soins, autre que l’aide fournie par la famille et les amis, afin d’aider à gérer le traitement pour le cancer de la personne chère.

« Il est difficile de s’occuper de patients cancéreux, a déclaré Jackie Manthrone, présidente et chef de la direction du Réseau canadien des survivants du cancer. Les gens atteints du cancer ont besoin d’une vaste gamme de services financiers et de soutien pour leur permettre d’avoir accès aux médicaments dont ils ont besoin, aux services offerts à proximité de leur résidence ainsi qu’aux services psychologiques, de nutrition et de conditionnement physique qui les appuient pendant le processus de guérison. »

Pour réduire le fardeau associé à la gestion du cancer et à son traitement, 75 % des aidants sont en faveur des soins externes pour les patients cancéreux, et 87 % disent que leur personne à charge serait probablement prête à recevoir des traitements à la maison. Dans l’ensemble, les patients sont aussi en faveur de soins externes. Selon 80 % de ceux-ci, ils utiliseraient un service leur permettant de recevoir des traitements à la maison.

« Sanofi comprend que les aidants jouent un rôle essentiel pour la gestion optimale des patients atteints du cancer et qu’ils occupent une place prépondérante dans les enjeux économiques touchant les soins aux patients cancéreux, ajoute Victoria Vertesi, vice-présidente de l’Unité centrée sur le patient en hôpital, Sanofi Canada. C’est pourquoi notre approche centrée sur le patient comprend les soins aux aidants. Au Canada, nous sommes prêts à adopter des solutions novatrices qui aident les patients et permettent aux aidants de retrouver une vie saine et productive. »

À propos du sondage

Le sondage a été réalisé en ligne en mai 2013, par l’entremise du groupe en ligne de Léger, LegerWeb.

L’échantillon comptait 502 Canadiens (301 patients et 201 aidants) atteints du cancer, ayant eu le cancer, qui sont actuellement des aidants pour un cancéreux ou qui ont été des aidants.

Un échantillon aléatoire de même taille donnerait une marge d’erreur de ±4,4 %, 19 fois sur 20.

À propos de Sanofi

Sanofi est un leader mondial et intégré de la santé qui recherche, développe et commercialise des solutions thérapeutiques centrées sur les besoins des patients. Sanofi possède des atouts fondamentaux dans le domaine des soins de santé avec sept plateformes de croissance : la prise en charge du diabète, les vaccins humains, les médicaments innovateurs, la santé grand public, les marchés émergents, la santé animale et Genzyme, sa nouvelle acquisition. Sanofi est cotée à Paris (EURONEXT : SAN) et à New-York (NYSE : SNY).

Les sociétés Sanofi du Canada regroupent Sanofi Canada (produits pharmaceutiques), Sanofi Pasteur (vaccins), Sanofi Santé grand public (santé et beauté), Genzyme (maladies rares) et Merial (santé animale). Collectivement, ces sociétés emploient plus de 1 700 personnes dans tout le pays. En 2012, les sociétés Sanofi ont investi 122 millions de dollars en recherche et développement au Canada, stimulant la création d’emplois, les échanges commerciaux et les occasions d’affaires à l’échelle du pays.

Pour de plus amples renseignements ou pour obtenir une entrevue avec un patient atteint du cancer, une personne prenant soin d’un patient cancéreux, un représentant du Réseau canadien des survivants du cancer, et un représentant de Sanofi Canada, veuillez communiquer avec :

Catherine R. Cunningham                              Kristin Gable

Sanofi Canada                                              Le Cabinet de relations publiques NATIONAL

Tél : 514-956-6120                                        Tél : 514-843-2378

Cell : 514-713-1634                                      Cell : 514-209-0984

Catherine.cunningham@sanofi.com               KGable@national.ca

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[1] Canadian Cancer Statistics 2013, Produced by Canadian Cancer Society, Statistics Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada, Provincial/Territorial Cancer Registries cancer.ca/statistics May 2013

The Importance of Exercise for Cancer Prevention and Recurrence

By David Novak

Cancer is known as one the prevalent diseases in the world today. Every year millions of people are afflicted by this life-threatening disease. Cancer is a class of diseases wherein cells grow out of control. These cancerous cells can even spread to other parts of the body and destroy healthy tissues.

There is no proven way to completely prevent cancer, but there are steps that can lower your risk or keep it from occurring or recurring. Eating a healthy diet is always on the top of the list when it comes to cancer prevention. Certain components of food are found to help in lowering the risk of cancer, such as antioxidants, phytochemicals and omega-3 fatty acids. Physical activity may also reduce cancer risk by enhancing the immune system, preventing obesity, and reducing hormone levels and inflammation.

Surviving cancer is a major accomplishment of every cancer victim. It gives them a new priority in life, which is to prevent cancer from recurring. Same with cancer prevention during cancer treatment. Good food allows cancer victims to replenish all the nutrients that were loss during cancer treatment, as well as boost their weakened immune system. Exercise is also a great way in staving off cancer recurrence. Being physically active doesn’t mean you have to work out for hours. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercises each day.

EXERCISE FOR CANCER PREVENTION

Overweight and obesity have long been associated with many types of cancer. The best way to prevent prevalent diseases such as cancer is to maintain a healthy physique by means of proper nutrition and exercise. As stated by the World Health Organization, limiting weight gain during adulthood can reduce the risk of certain cancers such as colon cancer, renal cell cancer, thyroid cancer and postmenopausal breast cancer.

●        Colon cancer - based on research from the National Cancer Institute, there is a 40% to 50% lower risk of colon cancer to those people who exercise regularly. Some evidence also shows that those who maintain an active lifestyle throughout their lives have the lowest risk.

●        Lung cancer - studies shows that those who exercise have lowered risk of developing lung cancer, though there is still no significant evidence to support this claim. Some say that this is because those who exercise are less likely to use tobacco.

●        Breast cancer - research shows that those who exercise from moderate to vigorous levels (three hours per week) have a 30% to 40% reduced risk of developing breast cancer.

●        Uterine cancer - there is a 38% to 46 % lower risk for uterine cancer for women who exercise regularly. Exercise reduces the risk of obesity as well as decreasing the estrogen level, which are both factors in uterine cancer development.

EXERCISE AFTER CANCER

Many oncologists have asserted that moderate physical activity can improve the wellbeing of cancer survivors. A majority of studies that use supervised exercise programs show that physical activity has beneficial effects on the physical fitness of cancer survivors. Several positive effects can be seen in their functional capacity, physical well-being, functional well-being and self-esteem, among others. Based on another study made by L.M. Oldervoll, there is indeed a promising effect of exercise during and after cancer treatment.

Exercise should be moderate for at least 2-3 hours a week. Moderate exercise is when you are doing a physical activity that increases your breathing and heart rate. This is done at a comfortable pace where you can still be able to hold a conversation. Before starting any exercise regime, discuss with your doctor the type and amount of exercise that is considered safe for you. Every cancer survivor has different limitations, thus what the others can do may be unsuitable for you.

Here are several benefits of exercise for cancer survivors:

➢        reduce cancer recurrence

➢        faster metabolism

➢        better weight control and management

➢        lower blood pressure

➢        improved flexibility

➢        improved cardiovascular function

➢        improved blood sugar regulation

➢        greater endurance

➢        improved cholesterol profiles

➢        better coordination and balance

➢        strengthened immune system

➢        prevention of osteoporosis

➢        less depression and anxiety

Physical activities you can do:

●        Start a daily walking routine in your neighborhood.

●        Ride your bike

●        Scrub your bathroom

●        Walk to lunch

●        Use the stairs instead of the elevator

●        Use an exercise bike or treadmill

●        Weed your garden

●        Dance to your favorite tune

●        Yoga

David Novak’s byline has appeared in newspapers and magazines around the world.  He’s an avid health enthusiast, and frequently is featured in regional and national health publications. He is also a weekly writer for Healthline.  To visit his other stories on Healthline, visit http://www.healthline.com/. 

BMO Insurance Study: More than Two-thirds of Canadian Women are Concerned about the Financial Costs of Cancer

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Oct. 29, 2013) - As Breast Cancer Awareness month draws to a close, BMO Insurance has released a study which found that more than two-thirds of Canadian women (67 per cent) are concerned about the potential financial implications of being diagnosed with cancer.

The study also revealed that 68 per cent of women have been personally impacted by cancer (either having been diagnosed with cancer themselves or having an immediate family member and/or close friend battling the disease) and 78 per cent are concerned about the possibility of being diagnosed with cancer.

"Most of us are being touched by cancer in some way, whether being diagnosed with a form of cancer ourselves or supporting a family member or friend with their battle," said Julie Barker-Merz, Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, BMO Insurance. "The good news is that advances in medicine have meant that an increasing number of Canadians are beating the disease. However, the costs associated with treatment have also risen, which can put a strain on personal finances. When you're fighting cancer, the last thing you need is to be dealing with stress about money related issues."

Ms. Barker-Merz noted that, according to the Canadian Cancer Society, the annual household wage loss in Canada from cancer was nearly $18,000. Additionally, one-in-six Ontario cancer patients reported that out-of-pocket costs were significant or unmanageable.

To help ensure that women do not have to worry about the financial costs of fighting cancer and can focus on recovery, BMO Insurance introduced Well Woman. The plan helps individuals who are impacted by one of seven female-specific cancers and provides a cash payment each month for 12 months, as well as cash for hospital stays or surgery. Cash benefits are paid directly to the individual to use in any way she chooses.

Women are Taking Action Against Breast Cancer

The BMO Insurance study also examined what types of precautions Canadian women are taking in the fight against breast cancer. According to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis in Canadian women over the age of 20 and the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in Canadian women. The study found that, in the last 12 months:

Fifty-one per cent of Canadian women have conducted a proper breast self-exam.
Forty per cent have had a mammogram.
Thirty-eight per cent have had their doctor conduct a breast exam.
Twenty-six per cent have spoken to their doctor about breast cancer.
Half of Canadians (men and women) have donated to breast cancer charities.
"As a society we're becoming increasingly aware of the importance of early detection of breast cancer," noted Ms. Barker-Merz. "However, the study's numbers indicate that we still have some way to go. If they haven't already done so, I encourage women to consult with their doctor and determine what tests might be appropriate for them."

For more information on BMO Insurance and the Well Woman plan, please visit www.bmoinsurance.com.