Wednesday, November 3, 2010

New Canadian Cancer Staging Initiative

We now have a new National Staging Initiative to collect standardized data about cancer stage across Canada. It’s a first- of- its-kind long-term collaboration that should improve care and save lives.

Staging refers to the classification of patients with cancer into similar groups according to the extent of disease. On an individual basis, physicians need staging in order to determine prognosis and make informed treatment decisions. On a national basis, staging is important because government can use staging to determine survival by stage, to evaluate screening and treatment, to compare information across the population and over time and for planning and administration.


4 comments:

Bernie said...

How did they get the number before Daria, I know they gave me paper work and told me I had a 65% chance of living for at least 5 years or more and this was almost 8 years ago.
Hoe you are feeling well sweetie with no more side effects...:-) big hugs

Daria said...

I think this new initiative will standardize things across the board. Maybe right now, each province has their own ways of quantifying cancer stage ... now everyone will be on the same page.

When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000 ... I think I was told I have an 85% chance of living 5 years or more.

nancyspoint said...

Daria, Sounds like a good idea. Have you been satisfied with Canada's healthcare system in your cancer treatment through the years?

Daria said...

Nancy,

Yes I am very satisfied with Canada's health care system when it comes to cancer treatment. My experience has been very good.

I do think this new initiative will help ... I'm big on standardized policies and procedures ... less room for error and it should be easier to implement change.