A handful of new virtual cancer screening programs in British Columbia are connecting people who don’t have a family doctor with potentially life-saving treatment they may otherwise be missing out on. CanScreenBC and CancerScreening.ca, which both launched in early 2023, aim to inform the public about cancer screening options available to them. These virtual clinics offer video call consultations, allowing doctors to provide referrals for tests like mammograms and CT scans. The services primarily operate virtually, but there are also opportunities for in-person visits for individuals living near the Greater Victoria area.
According to a study by the Canadian Medical Association Journal, an estimated one in five Canadians, or about 6.5 million people, do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner they regularly visit. The journal Preventive Medicine also found that individuals in Ontario who visit walk-in clinics due to a lack of primary care providers are less likely to be screened for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancer.
Currently, CanScreenBC and CancerScreening.ca offer screening services for breast, colon, and lung cancer. CanScreenBC plans to expand its services to include prostate and cervical cancer screening in the near future. If a positive cancer diagnosis is received, CanScreenBC provides ongoing support, coordinating future visits with specialists and delivering test results.
Coverage for visits to these virtual clinics is provided by British Columbia’s Medical Services Plan. CanScreenBC is in early discussions with the province regarding potential long-term funding for their operations. The British Columbia Health Ministry has expressed support for initiatives that improve access to cancer screening, highlighting the importance of prompt screening.
Similar programs exist in other provinces, such as the Champlain Regional Cancer Program in Ontario. As with British Columbia, Ontario faces a shortage of primary care providers and has undertaken strategies to address this issue. The objective is to enhance the overall healthcare system by offering broader access to cancer screenings.
Dr. Stuart Bax, co-founder of CanScreenBC, hopes that virtual cancer screening programs like theirs can contribute to more comprehensive, long-term improvements in the healthcare system. Dr. J. Charles Lamb, co-founder of CancerScreening.ca, envisions a future where virtual cancer screening is available nationally, transcending provincial boundaries. Such coordination could provide valuable insights into wait times for tests across the country.
The need for accessible cancer screening is evident, considering the number of individuals in British Columbia and beyond who lack a primary care provider. By utilizing virtual platforms to facilitate screenings, these programs aim to bridge the gap and ensure that more people receive crucial cancer screenings. With continued efforts to improve access and bolster the healthcare system, there is hope for a future where preventive care plays a more prominent role in maintaining public health.
