Health and Community Services
March 19, 2015

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Steve Kent, Minister of Health and Community Services:

Minister Provides Update on Cancer Control Policy Framework

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in this Honourable House to provide an update on our province’s Cancer Control Policy Framework. Over the past decade cancer control has seen a total investment of more than $172 million and we continue to work to honour our commitment to enhanced prevention and screening, as well as diagnosis, treatment and support.

Cancer touches us all at some point in our lives, if not directly as a patient, then as a relative or friend of someone with cancer. The impacts of this disease are multiple and far-reaching, affecting people of all ages. My department works closely with the Department of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development and other government departments, regional health authorities, school districts and community partners to implement programs and policies aimed at cancer prevention including smoking cessation and other healthy living initiatives.

Mr. Speaker, the Provincial Government has achieved a number of important goals to date with respect to cancer prevention and screening in Newfoundland and Labrador. In 2011, we introduced a ban on smoking in vehicles with a passenger present who is under the age of 16. Between 2013 and 2014 we brought in further changes to more closely regulate tanning bed facilities, to cover the costs of smoking cessation medications for people with low income, and to expand the province’s Colon Cancer Screening Program.

The Provincial Government has also made achievements in recent years with respect to diagnosis, treatment and support of those with cancer, as well as their families and support networks. In 2011, we launched the Cancer Patient Navigator Program to provide support to patients and their families by helping them access a variety of medical and community services in a timely and efficient manner. In 2012, we supported the launch of the Cancer Transitions: Moving Beyond Treatment program, which provides invaluable support to cancer survivors and empowers them as they transition from active treatment to post-treatment.

Mr. Speaker, tele-oncology has also seen increased uptake in recent years as cancer specialists have offered patient consultations through Telehealth. And finally, we have made strategic investments in reducing endoscopy wait times and waitlists to ensure residents can more quickly and easily access these diagnostic services.

We continue to strive for increased awareness and cancer prevention, while at the same time working as a government to find new ways to mitigate risks and provide timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment and support.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

2015 03 19                                                 1:45 p.m.